South Korea’s ambitions to secure a breakthrough on U.S. tariffs during this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit have dimmed, as global attention shifts to an anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The forum, hosted in Seoul, marks a critical diplomatic test for President Lee Jae Myung, who took office after a political crisis earlier this year.
Trump’s Brief Stopover
Trump is expected to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday but will depart a day later, skipping APEC’s main sessions a move that has disrupted other leaders’ schedules. His short visit follows weeks of speculation about a potential U.S.-China trade deal framework, which boosted global markets earlier this week.
Xi’s Spotlight Moment
In contrast, Xi is set to stay through APEC’s closing ceremonies, symbolically claiming the global stage as China prepares to host next year’s summit. Analysts say Trump’s early exit could hand Beijing a narrative victory, portraying China as the more stable leader of Asia-Pacific integration.
Why It Matters
Trump’s aggressive trade policies including sweeping tariffs imposed earlier this year have strained relations with key U.S. allies and rivals alike. For South Korea, caught between two economic giants, the APEC summit was meant to be a moment of diplomatic leverage. Instead, Seoul risks being sidelined as Washington and Beijing dominate headlines.
South Korea’s Trade Gamble
Seoul had hoped to finalize a $350 billion investment and trade deal with Washington this week after months of negotiation. But both sides admit major differences remain. A U.S. Treasury official said the deal framework exists but is “unlikely to be finalized” during Trump’s visit. The delay threatens industries like Hyundai Motor, already hit by 25% U.S. tariffs on exports.
Diplomatic Crossfire
South Korea also faces growing tension with Beijing, which recently sanctioned several of its shipbuilders for cooperating with the United States. Despite the headwinds, President Lee plans bilateral meetings with Trump, Xi, and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to navigate the complex North Asia security and trade landscape.
Global Stakes
Experts warn this APEC could become one of the most consequential in years. “Given the state of multilateralism and world order right now, we could see drama APEC is not used to,” said John Delury of the Asia Society. Trump’s absence from the main sessions may leave Xi to shape the forum’s tone and potentially its future direction.
What’s Next
With 17 APEC member states struggling to reach consensus on free trade and digital cooperation, Seoul’s best outcome may be a disruption-free summit. Trump’s early departure and Xi’s extended stay underline the shifting power dynamics in Asia and the delicate balance South Korea must strike between its two most powerful partners.
With information from Reuters.
