Chinese President Xi Jinping reached South Korea to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference and engage in discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump regarding significant matters including trade tariffs and security concerns.
Xi's aircraft touched down at , representing his initial South Korean visit since 2014, in preparation for his scheduled meeting with Trump in the southeastern coastal city of Busan, reportedly set for 11 am.
Earlier that day, Trump departed Gyeongju, the host location for this year's APEC meetings, aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter, traveling to Gimhae airport.
Also Read: WIPO Chief Push Youth-driven Intellectual Property Ecosystem
Xi's current journey could establish the foundation for Beijing's upcoming relationships with Seoul and Washington during the intensifying US-China commercial and security competition, which has strengthened the Seoul-Washington-Tokyo partnership in opposition to China and its partners.
The encounter between Xi and Trump occurs while both nations continue to be engaged in a trade dispute involving tariffs, with Beijing broadening its rare earth export restrictions as Washington considers imposing an extra 100 percent tariff.
The previous week, trade representatives from both nations achieved a preliminary accord in Malaysia, creating conditions for the forthcoming meeting between Trump and Xi, successfully preventing damaging US tariffs on Chinese products.
Also Read: KRX Chief Vows to Crack Down on Unfair Trading
Xi's individual meeting with Lee, planned for the weekend, is anticipated to serve as a crucial opportunity for determining the future of South Korea-China diplomatic ties, which have deteriorated recently due to the intensifying China-U.S. competition. These conflicts have strengthened the Seoul-Washington-Tokyo partnership and shifted South Korea's position between the two major powers seemingly toward the US.
Lee and Xi are broadly anticipated to utilize their forthcoming meeting to confirm the importance of maintaining strong relationships as essential economic allies and neighboring countries.
The agenda for the Lee-Xi summit is expected to include several important topics such as improving their decade-old free trade agreement, broadening visa-free travel arrangements, discussing matters related to North Korea, and strengthening bilateral exchange initiatives.
Throughout his participation in APEC sessions and discussions with fellow leaders, Xi will likely highlight China's commitment to multilateral cooperation, open trade, and greater representation for developing nations while restating opposition to protectionist policies, which appears directed toward the US.
Also Read: Vietnam's Legislator Meets Russian State Duma Chairman in Ha Noi
A significant aspect to watch during Xi's visit to South Korea is the possibility of a bilateral discussion with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, especially considering that Chinese official media has denounced her for justifying Japan's imperial history.