Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit South Korea next month to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. During his trip, there is a possibility of a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and officials have also hinted at a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Multiple U.S. administration officials confirmed that Trump and his advisors will participate in the APEC summit, scheduled for late October in Gyeongju, South Korea. While a meeting with Xi Jinping has not been finalized, it is viewed as a significant diplomatic opportunity for both nations.
White House officials stated that key topics of discussion will include economic cooperation, trade, defense, and civilian nuclear projects. Bringing new investment into the United States is also a major goal of the trip.
Trump has indicated interest in meeting with Kim Jong Un during his Asia tour. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has already extended an invitation to Trump for the APEC summit, but it remains uncertain whether Kim will attend. Trump himself expressed his willingness to engage with Kim, stating, “We will meet, we will talk, and we will improve relations.”
The visit comes amid tense relations between the United States, China, and North Korea. Recently, Kim, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a military parade hosted by Xi Jinping. While Trump criticized the event, he emphasized that personal relationships remain strong.
Meanwhile, U.S.-China relations are currently strained over trade issues. The Trump administration recently imposed high tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. products. To manage the situation, Trump has temporarily suspended further tariff increases.
Sources: NDTV, CNN