There is a possibility that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju, Korea, at the end of October.
On the 20th, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing multiple sources, that President Trump and President Xi might meet.
According to SCMP, two scenarios are being discussed: President Trump visiting China before the APEC summit or holding a separate summit in Gyeongju during the APEC period.
The tariff war between the two countries is intensifying. President Trump imposed a universal basic tariff of 10% on all imports into the United States starting next month.
It has been stated that higher rates will apply to countries deemed problematic, such as China. Under the new tariff system, Chinese imports will face tariffs of up to 55%. President Trump said that the two countries must reach an agreement on tariff issues by August 12.
Recently, the two countries have continued behind-the-scenes contacts by activating diplomatic channels.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met in Malaysia on the 11th and had a productive and positive discussion.
Minister Rubio noted, "Both leaders want the meeting to take place."
However, no specific schedule or location has been confirmed yet. President Xi is expected to attend the Gyeongju APEC summit. President Trump has not yet confirmed his attendance. The Taiwan issue, which is a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, the changing currents of anti-China hardliners in the U.S., and speculation about President Xi's power transfer are all considered variables for the success of the meeting.
If the two leaders meet, not only the tariff issues but also key conflicts such as fentanyl, rare earth elements, and semiconductors are expected to be on the table.
The Gyeongju APEC summit will be held from October 30 to November 1.