US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in the coming weeks, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to begin at the end of October. The announcement comes amid escalating trade tensions following China’s tightened export controls on rare earths, critical for military and commercial products.

Trump made the remarks during a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that talks with China remain positive. “China wants to talk, and we like talking to China. We have a very good relationship, and we are going to be meeting in South Korea in a couple of weeks,” he said.

The US President indicated that the meeting could potentially pave the way for a trade deal. “They want to talk, and we’re talking, and I think we will make a deal that will be good for both,” Trump added.

Last week, Trump criticized China’s export control move and threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods starting Nov. 1, alongside export restrictions on critical software. He reiterated that tariffs are essential for protecting US national security and ensuring fair trade, while suggesting some flexibility in implementing these measures.

Diplomatic sources in Seoul confirmed that both Trump and Xi are likely to pay state visits to South Korea during the APEC summit in Gyeongju on Oct. 31–Nov. 1. Trump’s two-day trip is expected to include summit talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Despite tensions, Trump praised Xi, calling him a “very strong leader” and an “amazing man,” while stressing the importance of securing a fair and balanced trade deal for the United States.

The upcoming Trump-Xi meeting will be closely watched by global markets and policymakers, as it could influence trade relations, rare earth supplies, and broader economic ties between the two superpowers.