Lee Hosts Banquet for APEC Leaders on Eve of Trump-Xi Meeting in South Korea’s High-Stakes Diplomacy Event

APEC Summit in South Korea: Trade Talks, Geopolitical Strategy, and Cultural Diplomacy Take Center Stage

October 29, 2025

Gyeongju, South Korea – The Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation forum is currently underway in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, hosting a series of high-stakes bilateral meetings and the main leaders summit scheduled for friday and Saturday. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung finds himself at the epicenter of diplomatic activity, welcoming counterparts including U.S.President Donald trump, Chinese President Xi jinping, and Japan’s newly appointed Prime minister Sanae Takaichi.

Trade Agreements and Economic cooperation Dominate Early Discussions

The United States and South Korea reached an agreement on trade terms Wednesday, with seoul committing $200 billion in investment into the U.S. economy in exchange for reduced tariffs. This agreement, however, remains subject to finalization as discussions continue. Concurrently, concerns have arisen regarding tariffs on key South Korean exports, particularly steel, with the mayor of Pohang voicing fears of industry collapse if current tariffs remain in place.

Country	Key Issue	Outcome (as of oct 29)
US & South Korea	Trade Agreement	tentative agreement reached; $200B investment planned.
South Korea	Steel Tariffs	Concerns raised over potential industry collapse.

Geopolitical Tensions and Bilateral Meetings

A highly anticipated meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping is set for Thursday, with both sides confirming the talks. Discussions are expected to encompass trade, rare earth minerals, and the status of TikTok. President Trump also addressed the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, indicating that scheduling challenges have currently prevented such a meeting from materializing. Pyongyang’s recent missile tests continue to cast a shadow over regional stability, with ongoing cooperation between North Korea and Russia adding further complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

Did You Know? APEC represents approximately 40% of the world’s population and roughly 60% of global GDP, making it a pivotal forum for international economic cooperation.

Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power on Display

Beyond the formal meetings, South Korea is leveraging the APEC summit to showcase its cultural influence. Conventional and modern Korean cuisine are being featured prominently, alongside the country’s flourishing music, film, and television industries. The APEC media center offers local delicacies, highlighting both historic and contemporary flavors, including the popular hwangnam bread and snacks linked to the K-pop phenomenon.

BTS leader Kim Namjoon, known as RM, emphasized the importance of cultural investment during the CEO Summit, viewing culture and art as powerful drivers of diversity and resonance.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming their commitment to the Quad partnership – a strategic dialogue between Japan, the United States, Australia, and India. Discussions centered on cooperation in security, economics, investment, and innovation, aimed at fostering a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

The Importance of APEC

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has been a cornerstone of economic cooperation in the region for over three decades. established in 1989, APEC aims to promote multilateral trade and investment, economic and technical cooperation, and sustainable advancement. its annual summits provide a crucial platform for leaders to address pressing economic challenges and forge closer ties.

Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of APEC and the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region is essential for interpreting the significance of these annual summits.

Frequently Asked Questions about APEC

• what is APEC? APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to promote economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Who are the key participants at the 2025 APEC Summit? Key participants include leaders from the United States, China, South korea, and Japan.
• What are the main topics of discussion at this year’s APEC Summit? Trade agreements, geopolitical tensions, and regional security are among the primary topics being discussed.
• How does APEC contribute to the global economy? APEC represents approximately 60% of global GDP, making it a significant driver of global economic growth.
• What role does cultural exchange play at APEC? South Korea is utilizing the summit to showcase its culture and promote soft power initiatives.
• What is the Quad partnership? The Quad is a strategic dialogue between Japan, the United States, Australia, and india, focused on regional security and cooperation.

What are your thoughts on the potential outcomes of the Trump-Xi meeting? Share your insights in the comments below!

How might South Korea’s role as host of APEC and President Lee’s diplomatic efforts influence the dynamics of the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting?

Setting the Stage: APEC Summit 2025 in Seoul

South Korea is currently at the epicenter of global diplomacy,hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Seoul. The event is particularly charged this year, falling on the eve of a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. president Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. South Korean President Lee has taken a central role, culminating in a formal banquet for APEC leaders aimed at fostering dialog and setting a constructive tone for the bilateral talks. this year’s APEC theme,”Shaping a Future of Shared Prosperity,” underscores the urgency of regional cooperation amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

The Banquet: A Diplomatic Overture

President Lee’s banquet, held at the Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House) – now open to the public – was meticulously planned as a platform for informal discussions. The guest list included leaders from all 21 APEC member economies, representing a significant portion of global GDP.

* Key Attendees: Beyond Trump and Xi, notable attendees included the leaders of Japan, Australia, Canada, Russia, and several Southeast Asian nations.

* Menu & Cultural Significance: The banquet menu featured customary Korean cuisine, carefully selected to showcase the country’s culinary heritage and promote cultural exchange. Dishes included bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat) and bulgogi (marinated beef), alongside locally sourced ingredients.

* Seating Arrangements: Strategic seating arrangements were employed to encourage specific interactions. Reports suggest President Lee deliberately positioned himself to facilitate conversations between Trump and Xi, though no formal one-on-one meeting was scheduled during the banquet itself.

Trump-xi Meeting: Anticipation and Key Issues

The impending Trump-Xi meeting is the focal point of the APEC summit. This will be their first face-to-face encounter as the contentious G20 summit in Bali in 2022. The stakes are exceptionally high, with a range of critical issues on the agenda:

1. Trade Imbalances: The longstanding trade deficit between the U.S.and China remains a major point of contention. Expect discussions on tariffs, market access, and intellectual property rights.
2. Taiwan Strait: The escalating tensions surrounding Taiwan are a primary concern. The U.S. has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities, while China views Taiwan as a renegade province.
3. South China Sea: Disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea continue to fuel regional instability. The U.S. and its allies have criticized China’s assertive actions in the area.
4. North Korea’s Nuclear Program: the ongoing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons program will undoubtedly be discussed. Both the U.S. and China have a shared interest in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula,but their approaches differ.
5. Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing war in Ukraine and China’s stance on the conflict are also expected to be addressed. The U.S. has urged China to condemn Russia’s aggression.

South Korea’s Role: Navigating a Complex Landscape

South Korea finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its alliance with the United States and its crucial economic ties with China. President Lee has consistently advocated for dialogue and cooperation, positioning Seoul as a potential mediator between the two superpowers.

* Economic Considerations: china is South Korea’s largest trading partner, making economic relations vital. However,South Korea also relies on the U.S. for security and defense.

* Geopolitical Alignment: South Korea’s strategic location in Northeast asia makes it a key player in regional security. Maintaining stability in the region is a top priority for Seoul.

* Past Diplomatic Efforts: South Korea has a history of successful diplomatic initiatives, including its role in facilitating talks between North Korea and the United States.

Impact on Regional Security and Global Economy

The outcome of the trump-Xi meeting will have far-reaching implications for regional security and the global economy. A constructive dialogue could ease tensions and pave the way for greater cooperation on issues such as climate change and pandemic preparedness. Conversely, a breakdown in talks could exacerbate existing conflicts and further destabilize the international order.

* Supply Chain Resilience: The meeting’s outcome could influence the future of global supply chains, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors