APEC 2025: US-China, South Korea-Japan Summits Poised as Trade, Diplomacy Turning Points
APEC 2025: US-China, South Korea-Japan Summits Mark Key Turning Points - Key Highlights
As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit convenes in Gyeongju, South Korea, a series of high-stakes bilateral summits are scheduled for October 30, 2025, drawing significant attention. The meetings between the leaders of the United States and China, and South Korea and Japan, are expected to be pivotal in areas such as trade and diplomacy. Leaders from the 21 APEC member states, including the US, China, and Japan, will participate in the summit to discuss ways to strengthen regional cooperation. The Gyeongju APEC summit is scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 2 at the Hwabaek Convention Center.
U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in South Korea to begin his official visit, which includes a summit with the South Korean President. President Trump landed at Gimhae International Airport aboard Air Force One and is expected to discuss various economic and security issues during his visit. In particular, President Trump's stance on trade issues with China and the North Korean issue is expected to lead to in-depth discussions with relevant countries during the APEC meeting. Upon arriving at Gimhae Airport, President Trump stated, "Tomorrow's focus is on China, but I will meet with North Korea in the near future," hinting at further discussions on US-China relations as well as US-North Korea relations. He also predicted a reduction in tariffs on fentanyl from China, cautiously suggesting the possibility of resolving the US-China trade dispute. Regarding North Korea's missile tests, he reiterated his willingness to talk, stating, "Kim Jong-un has been launching [missiles] for decades... I want to meet him."
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, ahead of the APEC summit, emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation, stating, "In this era of nationalism... Korea leads multilateral cooperation." President Lee is expected to highlight South Korea's role and propose concrete measures for regional cooperation through the APEC summit. In particular, attention is focused on whether he can play a mediating role in resolving pending issues such as the US-China trade dispute and South Korea-Japan relations. President Lee is expected to seek economic cooperation measures through bilateral talks with APEC member state leaders and request support for progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process. South Korea is expected to enhance its standing in the international community and play a leading role in the economic and diplomatic fields through this APEC summit.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on October 29 that it would launch a win-win consumption lottery event and a digital traditional market Onnuri refund event as part of the 'Korea Grand Festival'. This event is aimed at boosting domestic demand and supporting small business owners, and is expected to promote consumption and contribute to revitalizing the local economy. In addition, Seoul Cyber University's Graduate School of Convergence Management will hold the '2025 Visiting Graduate School of Convergence Management Business Conference' at its Busan Campus at 2 p.m. on November 1, strengthening communication with the local community and providing the latest information on business management. Furthermore, the National Heritage Administration plans to register the "Kim Dae-jung House in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul" as a National Registered Cultural Heritage, preserving its historical value and promoting its importance as a cultural heritage. Yangju City also recently held the '2nd Yangju Companion Animal Culture Festival' at Seondol Neighborhood Park in Okjeong-dong, expanding opportunities for citizens to enjoy culture and striving to create a healthy leisure culture with companion animals.
As this APEC summit is held amidst complex international circumstances such as the US-China trade dispute and the deterioration of South Korea-Japan relations, the world's attention is focused on the outcome of the meetings between the leaders of the countries involved. In particular, the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be an important opportunity to find a solution to the trade dispute, and attention is focused on whether the meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and the Japanese Prime Minister can find a clue to improve strained South Korea-Japan relations. It is hoped that this APEC summit will be an important turning point in contributing to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, and that South Korea can play a leading role in promoting multilateral cooperation at its center. As the outcome of this meeting is expected to have a major impact on the future international order and economic environment, continued interest and attention are needed.
