World AffairsMultilateral Organization

Trump–Xi Jinping to Reunite at APEC Summit 2025 in Seoul, South Korea

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Seoul, October 2025 – The world’s attention is turning to Seoul, South Korea, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025 will be hosted. This year’s summit is particularly historic as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet face-to-face for the first time since 2019.

A Meeting After Six Years

The last direct meeting between the two leaders happened in Osaka, Japan (2019 G20 Summit). Since then, relations between the U.S. and China have been marked by growing trade disputes, technology restrictions, and strategic tensions. This reunion at APEC 2025 is being called one of the most anticipated diplomatic encounters of the decade.

Why Seoul?

South Korea will host this year’s APEC Summit in its capital Seoul, a city known for its advanced technology sector and global diplomacy. The country’s Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and President Yoon Suk-yeol are expected to welcome leaders from 21 member economies. Hosting the summit also allows South Korea to highlight its role as a bridge between the U.S., China, and other Asian nations.

What is APEC?

APEC was founded in 1989 to promote trade liberalization and economic cooperation among Pacific Rim countries. Today, it has 21 members, including the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, and several Southeast Asian nations. Together, APEC members represent nearly 60% of global GDP and almost half of world trade.

Unlike NATO or G20, APEC focuses on economic issues rather than military strategy. The summit is often a stage for world leaders to negotiate trade deals, investment partnerships, and supply chain cooperation.

Who Will Attend APEC 2025?

  • Donald Trump (U.S. President)
  • Xi Jinping (China President)
  • Fumio Kishida (Japan PM)
  • Anthony Albanese (Australia PM)
  • Justin Trudeau (Canada PM)
  • Vladimir Putin (Russia President)
  • Joko Widodo (Indonesia President)

India’s Role in APEC

India is not a formal member of APEC. Despite attempts to join in 1989 and 1997, India was kept out due to its “closed economy” status at that time. However, India often participates as an Observer. Last year, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal represented India at the APEC Summit in San Francisco, USA.

In Seoul 2025, India is likely to send a high-level delegation again. Though not a member, India’s growing economy and Indo-Pacific strategy make it a key dialogue partner for APEC nations.

Trade Issues on the Table

One of the central debates will be the U.S.–China trade war, particularly on soybean imports and high-tech restrictions:

  • The U.S. and Brazil remain top producers of soybeans.
  • China is the largest importer worldwide.
  • Tariffs and supply chain disruptions have hurt global markets since 2018.

The summit will also discuss digital economy, AI cooperation, energy transition, and green technologies.

Why It Matters Globally

Any outcome from this Trump–Xi meeting will impact:

  • Global stock markets
  • Asian security policies
  • Trade supply chains

If the talks succeed, it could open a new chapter of cooperation. If not, it may deepen global divisions.