Trump Heads to South Korea as a High-Stakes Meeting with China’s Xi Nears
As anticipation builds across global markets, U.S. President Donald Trump is en route to South Korea for what could become one of the most pivotal meetings of his presidency — a potential truce in the ongoing trade war with China.
Trump’s two-day visit marks the third stop in his Asia tour, following engagements in Malaysia and Japan, where he was praised as a “peacemaker” by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Yet, all eyes are now on Gyeongju, where Trump will sit down with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in six years.
The stakes could not be higher. The trade dispute between Washington and Beijing has rippled through international economies, unsettling industries and driving uncertainty in global supply chains. Negotiators from both sides have confirmed that a “framework” agreement is on the table — but its success now hinges on Trump and Xi.
According to William Yang of the International Crisis Group, “The U.S. is eager to reach any trade deal Trump could declare a victory, while China is focused on building trust and steadying the long-term relationship.”
Complex Talks and Regional Challenges
Before meeting Xi, Trump will hold talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju — their second meeting in two months. The U.S. and South Korea remain divided over key trade terms, including tariff reductions and a US$350 billion investment pledge from Seoul. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the ongoing discussions as “complicated,” suggesting that despite progress, numerous details remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, Trump’s arrival has sparked both anticipation and protest. Activists in Gyeongju have organized demonstrations criticizing what they describe as Trump’s “predatory investment demands.”
A Possible DMZ Reunion with Kim Jong Un
Adding another layer of intrigue, Trump has extended an invitation to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a meeting during his visit. Their last encounter, in 2019 at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), was historic but yielded few tangible results. While Kim recently expressed “fond memories” of Trump and openness to dialogue, Pyongyang has yet to publicly respond.
Experts suggest that while a symbolic meeting could happen, significant diplomatic breakthroughs — especially concerning denuclearization — remain unlikely. “North Korea has time on its side and isn’t as isolated as before,” noted Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification.
As the world watches, Trump faces a defining moment: an opportunity to reshape global trade relations and rekindle dialogue on one of the world’s most militarized borders. Whether diplomacy triumphs or tensions deepen, the outcomes of this visit will echo far beyond the Korean peninsula.