Castle Journal – Global Affairs Desk
Published: July 21, 2025
SEOUL/BEIJING – Diplomatic sources have indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are considering a high-level meeting either ahead of or during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for late October in South Korea.
According to reports first published by the South China Morning Post and later confirmed by various officials, preliminary arrangements are underway for a potential bilateral summit, as both Washington and Beijing seek to de-escalate tensions and restore momentum to their strained trade and security dialogue.
The APEC summit is set to take place from October 30 to November 1, 2025, in Gyeongju, South Korea. While both leaders are expected to attend the event, sources close to the matter have said the two sides are exploring the possibility of holding a separate one-on-one meeting in China beforehand — a move that would signal a thaw in relations following years of economic rivalry and geopolitical friction.
Strategic Timing Amid Growing Tensions
The prospect of a Trump–Xi meeting comes as both countries face mounting pressures. For the United States, President Trump has set a self-imposed August 12 deadline to reach a revised trade agreement with China, threatening to impose broader tariffs if talks fail. The administration has floated proposals for a universal 10% tariff on all imports, with levies on Chinese goods potentially reaching up to 55%.
For China, the opportunity to meet before APEC could allow Xi to stabilize bilateral ties ahead of broader regional negotiations. Beijing is also eager to ease U.S. restrictions on technology exports, bolster rare earth trade, and seek clarity on Washington’s evolving policy toward Taiwan.
Diplomatic Groundwork Already in Motion
The groundwork for the leaders’ meeting was laid earlier this month during a July 11 meeting in Kuala Lumpur between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Rubio described the discussions as “constructive” and hinted that both leaders “want the meeting to happen,” although no official announcement has yet been made.
A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Trump administration is open to a visit to China should the necessary diplomatic conditions be met. “It’s in the early stages, but both sides are showing interest,” the source confirmed.
Global Implications
Analysts believe a Trump–Xi summit — whether in Beijing or on the sidelines of APEC — could mark a pivotal moment in 2025 global diplomacy. “This is about more than tariffs,” said Dr. Lena Hwang, an international affairs expert at Seoul National University. “There’s a chance here to reset the trajectory of U.S.–China relations at a time when the global economy is deeply affected by their rivalry.”
Key topics expected to feature prominently in any dialogue include:
- Tariff reductions and trade normalization
- Export controls on AI and advanced technologies
- Regional security in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait
- Counter-narcotics cooperation, especially on fentanyl precursors
Awaiting Confirmation
As of press time, neither the White House nor China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed the meeting. However, the likelihood of a face-to-face encounter between the two leaders is said to be “high,” according to diplomatic sources familiar with ongoing preparations.
If realized, it would mark the first meeting between Trump and Xi since their final summit in 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump’s return to office.
——
Castle Journal (( CJ Global) will continue to monitor developments surrounding the potential summit and its implications for global trade, diplomacy, and security.
