Trump Likely To Visit South Korea in October, Potential Summit With China’s Xi on the Cards

US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning a visit to South Korea in October to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, with “serious discussions” underway for a potential high-stakes bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping . The trip, which would be for the APEC trade ministers’ gathering in Gyeongju, is being viewed as a crucial opportunity for Washington to engage with Beijing amidst a bitter tariff war and heightened geopolitical tensions .

According to a CNN report citing administration officials, while no firm plans have been finalized, the White House is viewing the APEC summit as a key venue for a Trump-Xi meeting . This development comes just weeks after Trump unleashed a barrage of criticism against China for hosting the SCO summit, where Xi met with leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi, accusing them of “conspiring” against the United States . In a phone call last month, Xi had invited Trump and his wife to visit China, an invitation that was accepted, though no dates were announced .

The potential summitry doesn’t end with China. The visit could also set the stage for another encounter between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un . South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reportedly suggested the APEC meeting as an opportunity for such a dialogue, and Trump expressed his willingness, stating he would “look forward to meeting with him” . However, officials have indicated that organizing the potential meeting with Xi is currently receiving more attention .

Trump’s potential diplomatic outreach to Xi presents a stark contrast to his administration’s recent aggressive rhetoric and actions, not only towards China but also India . Just days ago, Trump accused the US of having “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China,” before softening his stance and reaffirming his personal friendship with Prime Minister Modi . The proposed visit to South Korea is also seen as an opportunity for Trump to attract more economic investments to the US, a key focus of his recent foreign trips