Donald Trump visits South Korea for summit ahead of US-Chinese talks • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit
• Protectionism and Nationalism
• US-Asia Alliances
• Indo-Pacific Strategy
• US Tariffs on Chinese Goods
• Chinese Export Controls on Fentanyl Precursors
• North Korean Cruise Missile Testing
• North Korean Denuclearization Negotiations

APEC Summit and Global Economic Climate

The transcript details President Trump's attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Kyongju, South Korea. This marked his third major stop in Asia. The summit's opening was characterized by South Korean President Moon Jae-in's remarks, which alluded to President Trump's "sweeping tariff measures." Moon highlighted the paradox of the current global climate, where "protectionism and nationalism are on the rise," making terms like "cooperation, coexistence, and inclusive growth" potentially sound "hollow." However, he argued that APEC's role as a "platform for solidarity" becomes even more crucial during such "times of crisis."

US Alliances and the Indo-Pacific

President Trump, in his address, emphasized the strength of US alliances with Asian nations within the "Indo-Pacific" region. He stated, "When America thrives, our partners thrive and our alliances thrive with all of all of the countries. The Indo-Pacific thrives, and that's good for all of us, and the entire world becomes safer and wealthy and greater than ever before." This statement underscores a key aspect of US foreign policy, linking American prosperity and security to the stability and growth of the Indo-Pacific.

Sideline Talks and Trade Negotiations

A significant focus of the APEC summit was anticipated to be the sideline discussions between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The primary agenda item for these talks was the potential reduction of US tariffs on Chinese goods. In exchange, China was expected to implement export controls on chemicals that are precursors to fentanyl. This negotiation highlights a critical trade issue and a public health concern involving the opioid crisis.

North Korea's Missile Activity and Diplomatic Stalemate

President Trump's arrival in South Korea coincided with reports from North Korean state media about cruise missile testing. Specifically, North Korean state media reported on October 28th that the "missile administration of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted a test fire of sea to surface strategic cruise missiles in the West Sea of Korea." This event occurred amidst President Trump's stated desire to engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. However, Trump announced that he was "not able to arrange a meeting with him during his trip." The transcript notes that the last meeting between the two leaders was in 2019, after which negotiations concerning North Korea's denuclearization reached a "stalemate."

Conclusion

The APEC Summit in Kyongju served as a backdrop for discussions on global trade, US foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific, and critical bilateral negotiations, particularly between the US and China regarding tariffs and fentanyl precursors. The summit also occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions with North Korea, evidenced by their recent missile testing and the ongoing diplomatic impasse on denuclearization. The overarching theme was the challenge of fostering cooperation in an era marked by rising protectionism and nationalism.