Trump to Meet Xi in South Korea Amid Trade War Uncertainty
US President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping could be crucial in resolving the ongoing trade conflict.
TOKYO: US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday, as he prepares for a key meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The anticipated summit could potentially lead to a truce in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.
Trump's two-day visit to South Korea marks the third leg of his ongoing tour across Asia.
He has received positive receptions at regional summits in Malaysia and Japan, where he was praised as a 'peacemaker.'
However, all eyes are now focused on Thursday's meeting between Trump and Xi, which will be their first encounter in six years.
The meeting is set to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.
Negotiators from both China and the US have confirmed that a 'framework' has been agreed upon.
The crucial aspect now lies in obtaining approval from Trump and Xi, who will determine whether the trade war can be halted.
This would alleviate global market fluctuations and ease international supply chain concerns.
William Yang, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, noted that there appears to be a mismatch between where both countries stand before the summit.
The US is eager to secure any deal Trump can declare as a victory, while China emphasizes building mutual trust, managing existing differences, and stabilizing the bilateral trade relationship.
Trump's visit will include stops in Busan and Gyeongju after his time in Tokyo, where Japan's new conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties.
Discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are expected to focus on resolving ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.
In July, Trump stated that Washington had agreed to reduce tariffs on South Korean imports from 25% to 15%, contingent upon a $350 billion investment pledge by Seoul.
However, disputes remain concerning the structure of this investment pledge and the maintenance of high auto tariffs.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations still at hand.
Despite Trump's denial of any obstacles in the talks, activists plan to protest against his 'predatory investment demands' during his visit.
Additionally, Trump has extended an invitation to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet during his stay on the peninsula.
Their last meeting took place in 2019 at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
While Kim expressed openness to talks if the US were to drop its demand for nuclear disarmament, it remains uncertain whether a meeting will occur.
Chad O'Carroll, founder of NK News, noted that the ball is now in Kim's court.
However, North Korea has gained significant support from Russia since their previous meetings, and securing tangible results such as denuclearization talks appears unlikely at this time.
The anticipated summit could potentially lead to a truce in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.
Trump's two-day visit to South Korea marks the third leg of his ongoing tour across Asia.
He has received positive receptions at regional summits in Malaysia and Japan, where he was praised as a 'peacemaker.'
However, all eyes are now focused on Thursday's meeting between Trump and Xi, which will be their first encounter in six years.
The meeting is set to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.
Negotiators from both China and the US have confirmed that a 'framework' has been agreed upon.
The crucial aspect now lies in obtaining approval from Trump and Xi, who will determine whether the trade war can be halted.
This would alleviate global market fluctuations and ease international supply chain concerns.
William Yang, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, noted that there appears to be a mismatch between where both countries stand before the summit.
The US is eager to secure any deal Trump can declare as a victory, while China emphasizes building mutual trust, managing existing differences, and stabilizing the bilateral trade relationship.
Trump's visit will include stops in Busan and Gyeongju after his time in Tokyo, where Japan's new conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties.
Discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are expected to focus on resolving ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.
In July, Trump stated that Washington had agreed to reduce tariffs on South Korean imports from 25% to 15%, contingent upon a $350 billion investment pledge by Seoul.
However, disputes remain concerning the structure of this investment pledge and the maintenance of high auto tariffs.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations still at hand.
Despite Trump's denial of any obstacles in the talks, activists plan to protest against his 'predatory investment demands' during his visit.
Additionally, Trump has extended an invitation to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet during his stay on the peninsula.
Their last meeting took place in 2019 at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
While Kim expressed openness to talks if the US were to drop its demand for nuclear disarmament, it remains uncertain whether a meeting will occur.
Chad O'Carroll, founder of NK News, noted that the ball is now in Kim's court.
However, North Korea has gained significant support from Russia since their previous meetings, and securing tangible results such as denuclearization talks appears unlikely at this time.
