APEC 2025 D-100: Global Leaders Gather in Gyeongju as Trump-Xi Summit Speculation Intensifies

## Historic Diplomatic Moment Approaches in Ancient Gyeongju

As the clock ticks down to exactly 100 days before the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, South Korea finds itself at the center of global diplomatic attention. The summit, scheduled for October 31 to November 1 in the historic city of Gyeongju, represents President Lee Jae-myung's first major multilateral diplomatic event since taking office. This gathering promises to be more than just another economic forum – it's shaping up as a crucial test of South Korea's diplomatic prowess on the world stage.

The significance of this summit cannot be overstated. With the Lee administration working to overcome the diplomatic vacuum left by the previous government's martial law crisis, APEC 2025 offers an unprecedented opportunity to restore South Korea's international standing. The ancient capital of Gyeongju, with its thousand-year history and UNESCO World Heritage sites, provides a fitting backdrop for discussions that could reshape the Asia-Pacific economic landscape.

Under Korea's host year theme of 'Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,' the summit focuses on three key priorities: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper. These pillars reflect APEC's commitment to developing practical policies that support a resilient and interconnected future, particularly crucial as the region navigates complex challenges including supply chain disruptions and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and industries.

## The Trump-Xi Summit Possibility That's Captivating Global Attention

The most electrifying speculation surrounding APEC 2025 centers on the potential simultaneous attendance of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Recent reports from the South China Morning Post suggest that both leaders are considering meeting either before or during the APEC summit. This possibility has sent ripples through diplomatic circles, as such a meeting could provide crucial momentum for resolving the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.

According to multiple sources, two scenarios are being discussed: President Trump visiting China before the APEC summit or holding a separate bilateral meeting in Gyeongju during the APEC period. The stakes couldn't be higher, with Trump having imposed a universal basic tariff of 10% on all imports into the United States, with Chinese imports facing tariffs of up to 55%. The American president has set an August 12 deadline for reaching an agreement on tariff issues, making the potential APEC meeting even more critical.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's attendance appears more likely, with President Lee Jae-myung reportedly expressing confidence that Xi will participate in the summit. The Chinese leader's presence would mark a significant diplomatic coup for South Korea, especially given the current tensions in US-China relations. Meanwhile, Trump's participation remains unconfirmed, though political circles in Seoul are expressing cautious optimism about his potential visit to Korea.

## President Lee's Diplomatic Test on the Global Stage

For President Lee Jae-myung, the APEC summit represents both an enormous opportunity and a significant challenge. This multilateral gathering offers him the perfect platform to showcase his brand of 'pragmatic diplomacy' that prioritizes national interests. However, with sensitive diplomatic issues like US-China conflicts and America's trade war creating a complex web of challenges, the summit could serve as a crucial test of Lee's diplomatic skills.

The president has already begun laying the groundwork by sending invitation letters to leaders of 20 APEC member economies on June 16. A senior ruling party official emphasized that while APEC is an economic cooperation body where discussions between economic ministries and private companies are important, the participation of world leaders ultimately captures the most attention. For the host country, securing the attendance of as many leaders as possible remains the primary objective.

If Trump's visit materializes, it could lead to substantive discussions on strengthening the Korea-US alliance and bilateral economic cooperation. Beyond the current tariff negotiations, the agenda could expand to include defense cost-sharing issues and cooperation in the shipbuilding industry. Some suggest that Lee should arrange frequent Korea-US summit opportunities even before APEC to coordinate positions between the two countries, demonstrating the delicate diplomatic balancing act required.

## Economic Cooperation and Innovation at the Heart of APEC 2025

The economic dimensions of APEC 2025 extend far beyond traditional trade discussions. Under Korea's leadership, the summit will spotlight cutting-edge issues including artificial intelligence innovation for trade facilitation and sustainable trade practices. The APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative, one of Korea's flagship deliverables for 2025, aims to drive economic growth and resilience by enhancing AI readiness, strengthening institutional and workforce capacities, and catalyzing investment in sustainable digital infrastructure.

The APEC CEO Summit, running parallel to the leaders' meeting from October 28-31, will bring together over 1,700 global business executives and senior leaders. Under the theme 'Bridge, Business, Beyond,' this gathering will focus on innovative industries and emerging trends, including energy transition, digital innovation, AI, and healthcare that are transforming the global economic landscape. The summit will also feature discussions on bringing prosperity to small and medium enterprises and future generations.

Trade officials from the 21 APEC member economies have already been laying critical groundwork through preparatory meetings. During the second Committee on Trade and Investment meeting in Jeju, members discussed how APEC can support the multilateral trading system and reviewed concrete proposals to advance the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific agenda, boost digital trade, strengthen supply chain resilience and connectivity.

## Gyeongju's Transformation into a Global Diplomatic Hub

The ancient city of Gyeongju is undergoing a remarkable transformation to accommodate this massive diplomatic event. The summit is expected to attract approximately 20,000 participants from around the globe, including about 3,500 government delegates from the 21 APEC member economies. This influx represents one of the largest international gatherings ever hosted in the historic city.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, serving as the APEC Summit Preparation Committee Chairman, has been making frequent visits to Gyeongju to personally oversee preparations. His responsibilities extend from inspecting leader accommodations and facilities for working staff and media to conceptualizing ideas that fully utilize Gyeongju's cultural content as the 'thousand-year-old ancient capital.' The government has allocated 13.8 billion won to create an international media center equipped with main press conference rooms, business lounges, and other advanced facilities.

The Gyeongju HICO (Hwangnyong Convention Center) will house a state-of-the-art summit venue that combines cutting-edge technology with Korea's traditional aesthetics. Construction began in June and is scheduled for completion by September, designed to support both multilateral and bilateral meetings. The facility represents South Korea's commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for this global event.

## Strategic Implications and Future Prospects

The success of APEC 2025 could significantly impact South Korea's international standing and regional influence. This summit represents the largest multilateral diplomatic platform hosted by Korea since the G20 Summit in 2010 and the Nuclear Security Summit in 2012. Acting President Choi Sang-mok previously emphasized that APEC 2025 would serve as an opportunity to affirm Korea's increased international standing and secure trust and support from the international community.

Beyond the immediate diplomatic gains, the summit could catalyze long-term benefits for South Korea. The 'Sales Gyeongbuk' strategy aims to leverage the event to showcase the region's industries, advanced technologies, and cultural assets to a global audience. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been actively preparing for the CEO Summit, recognizing it as an unparalleled opportunity to promote Korean business capabilities and forge new international partnerships.

The potential for the summit to become a platform for Korean Peninsula peace discussions adds another layer of significance. Unification Minister nominee Jeong Dong-young suggested considering inviting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stating that if APEC becomes a table for Korean Peninsula peace, it would be tremendously meaningful. However, the presidential office has maintained a cautious stance, indicating that such matters should be reviewed by diplomatic and unification channels rather than the presidential office directly.