Seoul: South Korea’s role as host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting has been challenged by the presence of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both of whom are expected to command the diplomatic agenda.
The country had hoped to leverage the forum to finalise a trade deal with the United States, yet those ambitions appear to be slipping.
Trump’s arrival on October 29 marks his first visit to South Korea during his second term, but he will depart the following day, skipping the main sessions of the APEC forum, forcing several other leaders to adjust their schedules.
The event has become dominated by Trump’s sweeping tariff strategy and deepening US-China trade tensions, rather than the standard multilateral agenda.
For host South Korea and President Lee Jae Myung, the week is a major diplomatic test. Leaders including Trump, Xi, and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are all expected to attend the forum, with South Korea also set to facilitate the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi during his second term.
Seoul had sought to conclude a trade deal with the US by the forum’s start, following a preliminary agreement in July. However, US officials and South Korean sources say significant disagreements remain, especially over details of a $ 350 billion investment package.
Reuters
This situation underscores the shifting dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region where South Korea finds itself balancing its relationship between its two largest trading partners, the United States and China. Analysts suggest that for Seoul, success may now be measured simply by avoiding disruption rather than securing a headline deal.
Analysts have noted that the outcome of the Asia-Pacific forum will serve as a key indicator of how major powers intend to navigate regional trade disputes and geopolitical rivalries. For South Korea, maintaining diplomatic balance while pursuing its economic interests remains a central challenge, especially as Seoul continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between Washington, Beijing, and other Asia-Pacific partners.
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