Xi Jinping’s Landmark State Visit to South Korea for 2025 APEC Summit: Historic Talks Amid Global Trade Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 30 to November 1, 2025. This official state visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone as it is Xi’s first visit to South Korea since 2014, when bilateral relations were at a peak during the Park Geun-hye administration.

Xi’s agenda includes attending the APEC summit, which gathers leaders from 21 Pacific economies to promote free trade and regional economic cooperation. As China will assume the chairmanship of APEC next year, Xi is expected to deliver a major speech outlining China's vision for the region’s economic prosperity.

A key highlight of Xi’s visit is high-stakes bilateral consultations. On October 30, Xi is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the first face-to-face talks since Trump’s return to office in 2025. This meeting comes amid rising trade tensions, including tariffs and rare earth export restrictions, and aims to ease hostilities and potentially revive stalled trade negotiations.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will also hold summit discussions with Xi. The two leaders are expected to exchange views on bilateral relations, regional security (including the Korean Peninsula issue), raw material supply chains, advanced technology cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. South Korea’s role as a regional diplomatic platform is emphasized by hosting these pivotal meetings.

The Xi visit underscores China’s strategic commitment to stabilizing and strengthening Sino-Korean ties while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics involving the U.S. and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Notable Updates

Xi’s first state visit to South Korea since 2014, signaling renewed focus on bilateral cooperation.

Attendance at APEC Summit in Gyeongju, where Xi will address economic cooperation across 21 member economies.

Scheduled Xi-Trump meeting on October 30 aimed at de-escalating U.S.-China trade conflicts.

Summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung covering bilateral ties, regional security, and technology exchanges.

China's assumption of APEC chairmanship in 2026 to be framed in Xi’s leadership speech.

Meeting expected to address key issues like tariffs, supply chain security, and technological collaboration.

This visit has significant implications for regional stability and global economic relations, offering a critical platform for dialogue amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Sources: Reuters, White House Press Briefing, Chosun Ilbo, Al Jazeera, CNBC, Anadolu Agency