Trump's Visit To South Korea For APEC Summit In October May Lead To Key Meetings With Xi Jinping And Kim Jong Un

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to travel to South Korea in late October for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, raising the possibility of high-profile meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The summit, hosted in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, will bring together leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. According to reports, discussions are underway in Washington about arranging a bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi on the sidelines of the gathering.

Beijing Invitation Still Pending

During a phone call in June, Xi invited Trump and First Lady Melania to Beijing. While Trump accepted the offer, no official dates have been set. A White House official, however, confirmed that the South Korea trip would emphasize economic and trade cooperation.

Kim Jong Un Meeting on the Horizon?

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung personally invited Trump to the summit, suggesting it could serve as an opportunity for dialogue with Kim Jong Un. Trump has indicated his willingness to meet, saying: “We’ll have talks… He’d like to meet with me. We look forward to making relations better.”

If held, it would mark Trump’s first direct interaction with Kim in years, potentially reviving a stalled diplomatic track between Washington and Pyongyang.

Core Agenda: Trade, Energy, and Defense

Officials say the visit will largely focus on strengthening U.S.-South Korea ties in trade, civil energy, and defense. These discussions could bolster both nations’ strategic partnership while countering China’s expanding influence in the region.

Global Stakes

Trump’s potential encounters with Xi and Kim come at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments. Recently, Trump criticized India and Russia for moving closer to China, underscoring Washington’s concerns over regional blocs and partnerships.

The APEC Summit, beyond its economic agenda, is shaping up to be a stage for major diplomatic maneuvering. Whether or not Trump meets Xi or Kim, his presence in Gyeongju signals Washington’s intent to remain deeply engaged in the Indo-Pacific.