Donald Trump, President of the United States has expressed optimism that ongoing talks between Washington and Beijing will lead to what he described as “a good deal for both sides.”
According to the BBC, Trump made the remarks while addressing a gathering of chief executives at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Seoul, South Korea, where he said he believed the United States was “going to have a deal” with China soon.
The president is expected to meet Xi Jinping, Chinese leader on Thursday for what analysts have described as a crucial step toward resolving trade tensions that have strained relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Before his meeting with Xi, Trump also held talks with Lee Jae Myung, South Korean President, who faces growing domestic pressure to finalise a long-pending trade agreement with the United States.
During the visit, Trump was accorded a lavish state welcome at the Blue House, where President Lee presented him with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of what was described as his “contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
The BBC reports that Trump’s arrival came just hours after North Korea test-fired missiles, a move seen as a reminder of the lingering security challenges in the region.
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Speaking on the issue, Trump said he was open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with whom he has previously held high-profile summits, but added that “they could not work out a timing” for another engagement.
Observers say the APEC summit could mark a turning point in regional diplomacy, as Washington seeks to rebuild economic and security partnerships across Asia while navigating complex relations with both Beijing and Pyongyang.
