Gyeongju (TDI): US President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for the final leg of his Asia tour, expressing confidence that his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping would yield a “great outcome for the world.”
Trump’s remarks came after a brief stop in Tokyo, where he was briefed on North Korea’s test of a nuclear-capable cruise missile, a development that did not seem to deter the president from focusing on his key diplomatic engagements, according to Reuters.
Trump’s visit to Gyeongju, a historical town in South Korea known for its ancient tombs and palaces, was marked by a series of high-level meetings, including a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The primary focus of the talks is expected to center on the unresolved trade agreement between the US and South Korea, particularly addressing ongoing tensions over tariffs and investment deals.
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Gyeongju, Trump brushed aside concerns about North Korea’s missile test, choosing instead to highlight his optimism regarding the trade talks with China. “The relationship with China is very good. So I think we’re going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually,” Trump said, adding that he hoped to reduce US tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for China’s commitment to curb the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals, a key issue that has exacerbated tensions between the two countries.
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While trade talks with South Korea were also on the agenda, there was little expectation of a breakthrough. The US and South Korea had previously reached a deal in July, where South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion into the US to mitigate the impact of American tariffs. However, talks over the structure of these investments have stalled. Additionally, Trump has pressed South Korea to contribute more to defense costs, while South Korea has pushed for reforms to US immigration laws to allow more workers for manufacturing.
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The leaders are expected to discuss trade, investment, and peace on the Korean Peninsula, with particular attention on engagement with North Korea. Despite Trump’s repeated calls for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang has yet to publicly respond. Kim has previously indicated that he would consider talks if the US stops insisting on the denuclearization of the North.
Trump was also presented with a replica gold crown and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest award, in a ceremonial gesture of goodwill. During their working lunch, a “golden dessert” was reportedly on the menu.
