The question of when does Trump meet with Xi has finally been answered: U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Busan, South Korea. The highly anticipated meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, marking a critical moment in global diplomacy.
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As of October 29, 2025, both Washington and Beijing have officially confirmed the meeting. China’s Foreign Ministry announced that President Xi Jinping will meet with President Trump “to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.”
Trump, who arrived in South Korea earlier this week as part of his Asia tour, told reporters that he expects “a good deal” from his discussion with Xi. While the exact meeting time has not been made public, it is expected to last about three to four hours on Thursday morning (South Korea time).
This marks the first in-person meeting between Trump and Xi since 2019, highlighting renewed diplomatic engagement between the two superpowers after years of trade and technology disputes.
Why This Meeting Matters
The upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi holds significant global importance. Relations between the United States and China have experienced mounting tension due to a series of economic and political disagreements.
Key issues expected to dominate the agenda include:
- Trade relations and tariffs – Both sides aim to build upon the recently announced framework for a potential trade agreement.
- Technology and export controls – Discussions are expected to include China’s rare earth mineral policies and U.S. technology restrictions.
- Agricultural cooperation – China has recently resumed large purchases of U.S. soybeans, signaling goodwill ahead of the talks.
- Strategic stability – The leaders are also expected to discuss long-term diplomatic and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
The summit offers an opportunity to ease tensions and rebuild trust following years of confrontation over trade, defense, and technology.
Timeline Snapshot
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2025 | Trump and Xi hold a phone call | Both leaders agree to arrange an in-person meeting. |
| October 27, 2025 | U.S. and China announce a trade-deal framework | A preliminary truce sets the stage for the upcoming summit. |
| October 29, 2025 | China confirms Xi-Trump meeting in Busan | Official confirmation of the date and location. |
| October 30, 2025 | Scheduled meeting in Busan | The main diplomatic event. |
Venue and Logistical Details
- Location: Busan, South Korea — a major port city hosting this year’s APEC summit.
- Meeting Duration: Expected to last three to four hours, allowing time for both structured talks and private discussions.
- Setting: The meeting will occur on the sidelines of the APEC summit, but Trump is not expected to participate in the full event.
The timing and setting underscore the significance of this bilateral meeting, designed to show both strength and flexibility from Washington and Beijing.
What’s Expected to Be on the Table
1. Trade and Tariffs
Trump and Xi are expected to review the newly drafted U.S.–China trade framework, which seeks to stabilize market relations and prevent further tariff escalations. The goal is to create a roadmap for easing import duties while protecting domestic industries.
2. Technology and Rare Earth Exports
With growing global demand for advanced chips and renewable energy materials, both nations are keen to find common ground on export rules. China’s rare earth policies and U.S. semiconductor restrictions remain sensitive points of negotiation.
3. Agriculture and Energy
China has reportedly increased purchases of American agricultural products in recent weeks. Energy cooperation, especially in liquefied natural gas (LNG), may also feature prominently in the discussion.
4. Strategic and Regional Security
Beyond trade, Trump and Xi are expected to discuss security dynamics in East Asia — particularly stability on the Korean Peninsula, maritime disputes in the South China Sea, and broader Indo-Pacific security coordination.
Why the Date Is Significant
The choice of October 30, 2025, is not coincidental. It comes just before the United States was scheduled to implement new tariffs on Chinese imports starting November 1. Both sides see this meeting as a final opportunity to de-escalate tensions before additional economic measures take effect.
Additionally, the meeting occurs at a time when global markets are watching closely for signals of easing U.S.–China rivalry. A positive outcome could immediately impact stock indices, currency rates, and investor confidence worldwide.
For Trump, the summit offers a chance to project leadership and negotiation strength ahead of the upcoming political season. For Xi, it provides a platform to reinforce China’s role as a stable global power in an increasingly fragmented world.
What to Watch After the Meeting
Observers will be paying attention to:
- Whether Trump and Xi issue a joint statement summarizing their commitments.
- The tone of the meeting — cooperative or confrontational.
- Market reactions and policy signals following the summit.
- Potential announcements of follow-up meetings or working-group discussions.
The tone and outcomes of this meeting are likely to shape the future of global trade, technology access, and security alliances for years to come.
As the world awaits October 30, 2025, all eyes will be on Busan to see whether this high-stakes meeting brings progress, compromise, or further contention between the two global powers. Stay tuned for live updates and share your thoughts below on what you think will come out of the Trump-Xi summit.