Gyeongju: The 2025 APEC summit in South Korea turned into a major moment for global trade talks, as Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump met to ease growing tensions between their countries.
Speaking at the summit, President Xi said China would continue to support free trade and cooperation among nations. He encouraged Asia-Pacific countries to work together instead of turning to protectionism, saying that open trade helps everyone grow stronger.
President Trump did not attend all sessions of the summit but later met Xi in the city of Busan. Their talks led to what both sides called a “temporary trade truce.” Reports say China agreed to relax restrictions on exporting rare earth materials, while the U.S. may reduce some tariffs on Chinese goods. China also plans to resume buying American soybeans and other farm products.
Experts believe the meeting helped calm tensions but warned that the deal is not yet final. There is still no signed agreement, and many details remain unclear. U.S. officials said tariff rates could be lowered from around 57 percent to 47 percent if talks move forward smoothly.
South Korea, which hosted the summit, played an important role in keeping discussions balanced. President Lee Jae Myung focused on the need for innovation, cooperation, and responsible use of technology. The summit’s theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” reflected those priorities.
While Xi took a leading role in promoting global cooperation, Trump’s partial attendance raised questions about the U.S.’s long-term commitment to regional partnerships. Xi also met with leaders from Japan and Canada, showing China’s effort to build stronger ties across the region.
Analysts say the APEC summit showed both progress and uncertainty. On one hand, it helped cool trade tensions and encouraged dialogue. On the other, it revealed how difficult it has become for countries to agree on shared goals in a world of economic competition.
For now, the meeting between Trump and Xi has brought cautious hope to businesses and global markets. But experts say true stability will depend on whether both sides follow through on their promises in the months ahead.
As the summit ended, South Korea was praised for hosting successful discussions and managing delicate diplomacy. The world now watches to see if this renewed spirit of cooperation can lead to lasting peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.