Lee Jae-myung Claims 'Trillions' in Economic Benefits from Asia Trip
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping to Meet in Busan
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold a summit in Busan, South Korea, tomorrow, October 30, 2025. This meeting is expected to be an important opportunity to discuss key issues in U.S.-China relations and exchange views on matters of mutual interest. In particular, the two leaders are expected to hold in-depth discussions on trade imbalances and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump is expected to express his willingness to review the trade system related to U.S. tariffs on Chinese products, and the issue of China's restrictions on the export of fentanyl precursor materials is also expected to be a major agenda item. Fentanyl has emerged as a serious social problem in the United States, and President Trump is expected to urge the Chinese government to actively cooperate. Some speculate that President Trump may lower tariffs related to Chinese-produced fentanyl, so attention is focused on the outcome of this meeting. The two leaders are expected to have constructive dialogues to promote stable development of U.S.-China relations and mutual benefits through this meeting.
Trump and Lee Jae-myung Discuss Economic Cooperation and Regional Security
During his Asia trip, President Trump also met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to discuss economic cooperation and regional security. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance amid the rapidly changing international situation and agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as economy and security. In particular, President Trump highly praised South Korea's economic growth potential and reportedly promised active support for expanding investment and trade between the two countries. The two leaders also sought joint response measures to North Korea's nuclear development and missile provocations and agreed to strengthen cooperation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to defending South Korea and emphasized that he would make every effort for South Korea's security. President Lee Jae-myung expressed his gratitude for President Trump's support and said he would work to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance further.
Lee Jae-myung to Meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Following his meeting with President Trump, President Lee Jae-myung is also scheduled to hold a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on October 30, 2025. Prime Minister Takaichi took office on October 21, 2025, and this will be the first meeting between the two leaders. President Lee Jae-myung will hold his second summit with a Japanese Prime Minister since his meeting with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Busan on September 30. Various issues, including historical issues, economic cooperation, and security issues, are expected to be discussed at the upcoming ROK-Japan summit. In particular, the focus will be on seeking ways to improve the recently deteriorated ROK-Japan relations. The two leaders are expected to promote mutual understanding through this meeting and lay the foundation for building a future-oriented relationship. However, some observers say it is uncertain whether there will be substantial progress at this meeting, as differences of opinion on historical issues still exist. Some predict that the two leaders will focus on achieving results in practical areas of cooperation such as economy and culture, leaving behind difficult issues.
U.S.-ROK Presidential Luncheon Held in Gyeongju
President Lee Jae-myung welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump with a luncheon at the Gyeongju National Museum. This luncheon is considered a symbolic event demonstrating the friendly relationship between the two leaders. The Gyeongju National Museum displays artifacts from the Silla Dynasty and is an important place showcasing Korea's history and culture. President Lee Jae-myung explained the history and culture of Gyeongju to President Trump and introduced the beauty of Korea. President Trump showed deep interest in the artifacts of Gyeongju and increased his understanding of Korea's history and culture. The two leaders exchanged views on various topics in a comfortable atmosphere through the luncheon and further strengthened mutual trust. This luncheon is evaluated as an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance. The luncheon menu consisted of traditional Korean dishes, and President Trump reportedly expressed his satisfaction with Korean food. This luncheon is evaluated as having contributed to promoting cultural exchange between the two countries, beyond a simple meal.
