South Korea Hosts Trump and Xi in Diplomatic Push Ahead of APEC Summit

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to make state visits to South Korea next week, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to hold separate summit meetings with both leaders, underscoring South Korea's emerging role as a pivotal platform for regional dialogue.

President Trump's visit is slated for October 29–30, preceding the APEC summit scheduled for October 31–November 1. According to South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, "A Korea-U.S. summit may take place around that time. And if the U.S.-China summit takes place, it could happen during his (Trump's) stay." koreatimes.co.kr

President Xi's visit is also anticipated during the same period, with discussions focusing on fostering consensus on regional peace, prosperity, and stability. The exact dates of Xi's visit are yet to be confirmed.

These high-profile visits aim to bolster South Korea's position in regional diplomacy, addressing critical issues such as U.S.-China trade tensions, security concerns, and potential engagements with North Korea. The meetings are expected to foster consensus on peace, prosperity, and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

President Lee Jae Myung, inaugurated on June 4, 2025, has prioritized enhancing South Korea's diplomatic relations and regional influence. His administration has actively sought to position the nation as a central player in regional discussions on trade tensions, security concerns, and stability.

There is speculation that President Trump may attempt a brief meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit. However, no plans have been confirmed. Previous Trump-Kim summits ended without a resolution on denuclearization, and North Korea has continued to enhance its missile arsenal despite UN sanctions.

Following the state visits, President Lee will travel to Malaysia on October 26–27 to attend the ASEAN summit. During this summit, he is scheduled to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to address concerns related to online scams. The ASEAN summit marks the beginning of a significant week of multilateral diplomacy, culminating with the APEC meeting in Gyeongju.

These developments highlight the complex diplomatic landscape in the region and the strategic importance of the upcoming meetings. Hosting both U.S. and Chinese leaders positions South Korea as a pivotal platform for dialogue on critical issues such as trade tensions, security concerns, and regional stability. The potential for a Trump-Kim meeting, though unconfirmed, adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic landscape, given the history of U.S.-North Korea relations.

As the APEC summit approaches, the international community will be closely watching these diplomatic engagements and their potential implications for regional and global affairs.