China ‘Ready to Work with US,’ Says Beijing Ahead of Xi-Trump Meeting in South Korea

SEOUL, Oct 29: Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on Thursday in Busan, South Korea, as both sides aim to ease tensions and rebuild communication channels strained by disputes over trade, technology, and regional security in the Asia-Pacific.

Confirming the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in a press briefing that the two leaders would engage in “in-depth communication regarding major issues of strategic and long-term significance, as well as matters of mutual interest.”

“China stands ready to work with the US,” Guo said, expressing hopes for “positive outcomes” from the summit and “new momentum” for the development of China-US relations.

The Xi-Trump meeting comes amid efforts by both Washington and Beijing to stabilize one of the world’s most consequential bilateral relationships, following months of diplomatic maneuvering and fluctuating trade tensions.

Guo emphasized the importance of the leaders’ direct engagement, saying,

“Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China-US relations.”

While the spokesman did not reveal specific agenda details, he confirmed that further information about the meeting would be disclosed “in due course.”

The White House had earlier announced that Trump and Xi would meet on October 30 in South Korea. This will be their first face-to-face meeting since Trump’s return to the presidency and comes as both countries seek to recalibrate their approaches to regional influence, particularly in East Asia and the South China Sea.

Analysts say the meeting could pave the way for renewed dialogue on economic cooperation and security, though challenges remain over issues such as Taiwan, semiconductor exports, and freedom of navigation in disputed waters.

Adding to the flurry of diplomatic activity, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is also scheduled to hold her first summit with Xi Jinping on Friday, according to Kyodo News.

That meeting, taking place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, will mark the first high-level dialogue between Japan and China since Takaichi took office last week.

Observers view the series of back-to-back summits as a sign of renewed engagement among major Asian powers amid growing regional uncertainties and shifting global alliances.

The Xi-Trump summit in Busan is widely expected to set the tone for the next phase of China-US relations, with both sides signaling a desire for “constructive dialogue” despite ongoing competition.

As Guo Jiakun concluded,

“China hopes this meeting will strengthen understanding, expand cooperation, and promote stable and healthy relations between China and the United States.”