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- U.S. president makes final stop on Asia tour.
- Meetings with China’s Xi and South Korea’s Lee anticipated.
- Trump expects to negotiate a reduction in China tariffs related to illicit fentanyl trade.
GYEONGJU: President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday to conclude his Asian trip, hopeful about reaching a trade war ceasefire with Chinese President Xi Jinping after their summit talks with South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung.
He arrived from Tokyo hours after North Korea tested a nuclear-capable cruise missile. Trump plans to speak at a CEO summit and then meet with Lee in Gyeongju, a quiet town notable for its historical tombs and palaces.
The day’s primary focus is expected to be the unresolved trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, ahead of a potential meeting with Xi on Thursday. This development has already boosted global markets.
Traveling to Gyeongju on Air Force One, Trump dismissed North Korea’s missile test and emphasized his focus on his upcoming talks with the leader of the world’s second-largest economy.
“Our relationship with China is strong. I believe we’ll achieve a very positive outcome for our country and the world,” Trump stated.
He anticipates lowering U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports in exchange for Beijing’s promise to clamp down on exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. could potentially cut the 20% tariffs currently imposed on Chinese goods in retaliation for those chemical exports.
Upon arriving in Busan, Trump was greeted by officials and received a ceremonial cannon salute on the red carpet, before being flown to Gyeongju by helicopter. During the welcome, a band played “YMCA,” a favorite tune of Trump’s that often features at his rallies.
Challenges in South Korea trade negotiations
Trump did not comment publicly on trade negotiations with South Korea on Wednesday, and both sides seem to view the possibility of a breakthrough as unlikely.
In late July, South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in the U.S. to avoid the toughest tariffs. However, negotiations over how those investments will be structured have reached an impasse.
Additionally, Trump has pressed South Korea to contribute more to defense costs, while South Korea has sought reforms to U.S. immigration policies to allow more workers in factories, especially following a raid on Hyundai Motor’s battery plant in Georgia.
The leaders will discuss trade, investment, and efforts to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula, including engagement with North Korea.
Though Trump has repeatedly called for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, there has been no public response from Pyongyang. Kim has previously indicated he’s open to negotiations if the U.S. ceases pressuring him to denuclearize.
In addition to the golfing gifts from Japan’s leader in Tokyo, Lee will present Trump with a replica gold crown and bestow the country’s highest honor—the “Grand Order of Mugunghwa.”
A “golden dessert” will be served at their working lunch, according to Lee’s office.
Is Taiwan on the agenda?
Since skipping the main APEC summit, Trump plans to speak at the APEC CEO summit, dine with Lee, and hold bilateral meetings with leaders including China’s Xi before leaving on Thursday.
U.S. and Chinese negotiators reportedly reached a framework over the weekend to halt escalating tariffs and Chinese rare earths exports, boosting global stocks to record highs.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed confidence on Tuesday that Trump would not abandon Taiwan during his meeting with Xi this week.
Since taking office in January, Trump’s stance on Taiwan—claimed by China—has wavered as he seeks a trade deal with Beijing. Trump claims Xi assured him China won’t invade Taiwan while he is president, but the U.S. has yet to approve additional arms sales to Taipei.
China has warned it “absolutely will not rule out” using force over Taiwan.
Trump stated Wednesday he is unsure whether Taiwan will be discussed with Xi during their meeting.
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