U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju, Korea, at the end of October. It appears he aims to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to find a breakthrough in trade conflicts.
CNN reported on the 6th (local time), citing three officials from the Trump administration, that President Trump and his staff are secretly preparing for attendance at the APEC summit in October. A White House official also confirmed to CNN that "a visit to Korea focused on economic cooperation is under discussion."
The biggest focus of this visit to Korea is whether a U.S.-China summit will take place. Administration officials said that "serious discussions have been held" about the possibility of President Trump and President Xi holding a bilateral meeting on the occasion of APEC. However, no specific plans have been confirmed. The two countries have maintained high-level communication, including President Xi inviting President Trump to China during a phone call last month.
However, separate from communication, the two countries have been engaged in a fierce trade war for nearly six months since April of this year over tariffs. The Trump administration imposed a high tariff of up to 145% on Chinese imports last April. China retaliated with a 125% counter-tariff. The two countries have temporarily suspended the imposition of tariffs until November while continuing negotiations. If a U.S.-China summit occurs at APEC, it could mark a critical turning point in the trade war.
The North Korean issue is also a major variable. President Lee Jae-myung suggested last month during a meeting with President Trump that APEC could provide a good opportunity for Chairman Kim Jong-un to meet. President Trump also responded that he is willing to meet with Chairman Kim. However, CNN reported that U.S. officials are currently focusing more on meeting with President Xi than with Chairman Kim. Chairman Kim's attendance at APEC is currently uncertain. Recent allegations reported by The New York Times regarding a 2019 U.S. special forces attempt to infiltrate and eavesdrop on North Korea could also weigh on U.S.-North Korea relations.
The push for this visit to Korea was revealed shortly after President Trump launched sharp criticism against China and Russia. On the 3rd, he mocked on social media that Xi, Russian President Putin, and Chairman Kim conspired against the U.S. while being together at China's Victory Day military parade.
Economic issues are also a key goal of this visit to Korea. The White House evaluated this visit as "an opportunity to secure economic investment in the U.S." A White House official stated that "discussions on trade, defense, and civilian nuclear cooperation will also be included." President Trump has previously focused on attracting substantial investments during his Middle East tours.