Trump’s October South Korea Trip: Possible Talks with Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un

US President Donald Trump is quietly preparing for a visit to South Korea in October, with growing speculation that the trip could pave the way for high-profile meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and potentially North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

According to reports, Trump and his advisers are considering attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers’ summit in Gyeongju, scheduled between late October and early November. While no official confirmation has been made, the event is being viewed as a strategic platform for Trump to engage with Xi, particularly amid strained US-China ties.

Economic Agenda in Focus

A White House official told CNN that the South Korea visit would primarily emphasize economic collaboration, trade, defense, and civil nuclear cooperation. Trump’s trip also follows Xi Jinping’s recent invitation for him and the First Lady to visit China, an offer that Trump has reciprocated though dates are yet to be finalized.

Will Trump Meet Kim Jong Un?

The possibility of a Trump-Kim meeting remains uncertain. While South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has suggested the APEC summit could serve as an opportunity for dialogue, insiders believe Trump’s priority is securing a face-to-face with Xi.

Speaking to reporters, Trump remained open to talks with Kim, saying:

“I will do that, and we’ll have talks. He’d like to meet with me. We look forward to meeting with him, and we’ll make relations better.”

Diplomatic Balancing Amid Rising Tensions

The planned trip comes at a delicate time in global diplomacy. Xi recently hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un in Beijing during China’s military parade — a move Trump publicly criticized while still highlighting his “good relations” with all three leaders.

On social media, Trump wrote:

“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”

He later added a post with a photo of Xi, Putin, and Modi, saying: “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”

Despite his criticism, Trump acknowledged the parade as “a beautiful ceremony” and said it was partly staged with him in mind.

US-China Trade War Still Simmering

Trump’s potential meeting with Xi would also come against the backdrop of ongoing US-China trade disputes. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, while Beijing responded with a 125% levy on US goods. Though Trump delayed further tariff hikes scheduled for last month, tensions remain high, with both sides engaging in multiple rounds of negotiations.

Shadow of 2019 Navy SEAL Operation

Uncertainty also surrounds the possibility of a Trump-Kim dialogue following a recent New York Times report about a failed 2019 Navy SEAL mission in North Korea that left six unarmed civilians dead. When asked, Trump said he was unaware of the operation:

“I don’t know anything about it, no. I could look but I know nothing about it.”

As October approaches, global attention is fixed on whether Trump’s South Korea trip will reshape the fragile dynamics between Washington, Beijing, and Pyongyang.