U.S. Trade Tensions to Overshadow APEC Summit in South Korea
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Leaders from across the Asia-Pacific are set to gather in South Korea this week for a major economic summit, but the proceedings are likely to be overshadowed by renewed U.S.-China trade tensions and fresh uncertainty over Washington’s commitment to the forum.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meeting, scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 1, is being held as the U.S. once again escalates its tariff strategy, a move that is expected to cast a pall over the gathering. The anxiety mirrors the mood at last year’s summit in Peru, which convened shortly after it became clear Donald Trump would return to the White House, fueling concerns about a resurgence of trade unilateralism.
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- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is set for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 amid heightened U.S.-China trade tensions and uncertainty over U.S. commitment.
- Donald Trump's attendance at the main event is unlikely, though he may join related sessions; key bilateral meetings are being arranged.
- APEC's 21 members represented 37% of the global population, 49.1% of world trade, and 61.4% of global GDP as of 2023.
- 2023：
- APEC member economies accounted for 37% of the global population, 49.1% of world trade, and 61.4% of global GDP as of this year.
- 2024：
- APEC summit was held in Peru, shortly after it became clear that Donald Trump would return to the White House.
- December 2024：
- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached after a brief martial-law declaration.
- Oct. 9, 2025：
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Beijing attaches great importance to APEC cooperation and is willing to work with all parties for positive outcomes.
- Oct. 13, 2025：
- South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said it is 'highly unlikely' President Trump will participate in the APEC leaders’ meeting, but he is expected to attend related events.
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