Trump-Xi Summit on the Horizon? Historic APEC Meeting in Gyeongju Could Reshape US-China Relations

The Stage is Set: Gyeongju Emerges as Diplomatic Crossroads

The historic city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, is poised to become the epicenter of modern geopolitics this October. As the host city for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Gyeongju could witness what many consider the most significant diplomatic encounter of the year: a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This would mark South Korea's first time hosting APEC in 20 years, following the 2005 summit in Busan. The South China Morning Post reported on July 20 that multiple sources suggest Trump might visit China before the APEC summit or meet Xi on the sidelines of the October 30-November 1 gathering. The anticipation surrounding this potential meeting reflects the critical state of US-China relations, which have been strained by trade disputes, technological competition, and geopolitical tensions. Ambassador Yoon Seongmee, Chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for our region, with the theme Building a Sustainable Tomorrow reflecting shared ambitions for an open, dynamic, and resilient Asia-Pacific.

Breaking the Ice: Six Years Since the Last Face-to-Face

The last time Trump and Xi met in person was during the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, in June 2019, making any potential Gyeongju meeting historically significant. Since Trump's return to office in January 2025, the two leaders have maintained communication through phone calls, with Xi extending an invitation for Trump to visit China during their early June conversation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malaysia on July 11 has further raised hopes for a summit, with Rubio stating that both sides have a strong desire for such a meeting. The diplomatic groundwork appears to be solidifying, with Rubio noting that President Xi has said publicly that he wants to see it happen, and Trump has expressed similar sentiments. Community reactions on Korean forums like Naver and Daum have been largely positive, with many users expressing excitement about Korea playing host to such a significant diplomatic event. One popular comment on Naver read: Finally, Korea gets to be at the center of world politics again! However, some users on DC Inside expressed skepticism about whether the meeting would actually produce meaningful results given the current trade tensions.

The Tariff Battlefield: Economic Tensions Reach Boiling Point

The potential meeting comes against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions that have defined Trump's second term. The US has implemented a universal base tariff of 10% on all imports, with Chinese goods facing the highest rates at 55%. Trump has set an August 12 deadline for reaching a durable tariffs agreement with China. Recent reports suggest that Trump accused China of breaking a deal negotiated in Geneva last month, leading to renewed tensions. The trade war has had significant impacts on global supply chains, with Trump claiming on his Truth Social platform that China was in grave economic danger due to the high tariffs, stating that many factories closed and there was civil unrest. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao recently expressed China's desire to bring trade ties with the United States back to a stable footing. Korean business communities on platforms like PGR21 have shown mixed reactions, with export-oriented companies expressing concern about the broader impact on Asian trade networks, while others see potential opportunities if US-China tensions lead to trade diversification toward Korea.

Strategic Implications: Beyond Bilateral Relations

The potential Trump-Xi meeting carries implications far beyond US-China relations, particularly for the Korean Peninsula and regional security architecture. Korean Prime Minister's recent interview suggested that Trump's attendance at the APEC summit could lead to discussions of Korean Peninsula issues. The meeting would occur at a time when North Korea continues to pose security challenges, and China's role as Pyongyang's primary economic lifeline remains crucial. The timing is also significant given ongoing tensions over Taiwan, semiconductors, and rare earth minerals. For international observers, particularly those in the 10-40 age demographic who follow global politics closely, this meeting represents a test of whether personal diplomacy can overcome structural economic and strategic competition. Online communities like Instiz and The Qoo have seen heated debates about what a successful meeting would look like, with younger users particularly focused on how trade outcomes might affect consumer prices and job markets in Asia.

Cultural Context: Korea's Diplomatic Balancing Act

For Korea, hosting this potential summit represents both an opportunity and a challenge in its delicate balancing act between its alliance with the United States and its economic ties with China. The choice of Gyeongju as the venue is symbolically significant – the ancient capital represents Korea's long history of cultural diplomacy and international engagement. Korean netizens on platforms like Nate Pann have expressed pride in their country's role as a potential bridge between the superpowers, though some worry about being caught in the middle of great power competition. The APEC summit's theme of Building a Sustainable Tomorrow resonates with Korean values of harmony and long-term thinking. Cultural experts note that Korean hospitality traditions could play a role in creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogue, similar to how the 2018 inter-Korean summits utilized cultural elements to build rapport. However, critics on platforms like Ilbe have questioned whether Korea has sufficient leverage to influence the outcome of US-China negotiations.

The Technology Factor: AI and Innovation at the Forefront

The 2025 APEC summit will prioritize discussions on artificial intelligence technology and demographic changes, reflecting the evolving nature of economic competition. This focus aligns with the broader US-China competition in technology sectors, particularly semiconductors and AI development. Trump's approach to China in his second term has emphasized targeting industries critical to national security, including semiconductors, rare earth minerals, and pharmaceuticals. For younger audiences who are deeply engaged with technology trends, the intersection of geopolitics and tech innovation represents a key area of interest. Korean tech communities on platforms like Clien and Ruliweb have been particularly active in discussing how US-China tech competition might create opportunities for Korean companies like Samsung and SK Hynix. The potential meeting could address not just traditional trade issues but also establish frameworks for technology cooperation or competition rules that would affect global supply chains for years to come.

Looking Ahead: Expectations and Uncertainties

As the October summit approaches, several factors remain uncertain. Trump's attendance at APEC is still unconfirmed, while Xi is expected to participate. The success of any potential meeting will likely depend on whether both sides can move beyond the current tariff disputes to address broader structural issues in their relationship. Recent developments suggest a potential easing in tensions, with some reports indicating Trump's softer stance on certain issues. However, the August 12 deadline for tariff agreements adds urgency to pre-summit diplomatic preparations. Korean observers across various online platforms have expressed cautious optimism, with many hoping that their country's hosting role could contribute to a breakthrough in US-China relations. The historical significance of any Trump-Xi meeting in Gyeongju would extend beyond immediate policy outcomes, potentially setting the tone for great power relations in the Asia-Pacific region for years to come. Whether this potential diplomatic encounter materializes and what it might achieve remains one of the most closely watched developments in international relations as 2025 unfolds.