Xi and Trump Reach Understandings at APEC

At APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Gyeongju, South Korea formally handed the APEC chairmanship to China and hosted a Gyeongju‑inspired official welcome dinner of about 400 guests developed with chef Edward Lee. Pre‑summit dinners and exchanges included U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders such as Singapore’s Lawrence Wong, Australia’s Anthony Albanese, Canada’s Mark Carney and New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were seen shaking hands, though Manila said no formal bilateral had been scheduled. Xi told Trump he was ready to continue working to manage China‑U.S. ties, and Trump described the talks as producing “enormous respect” and announced understandings on large U.S. farm purchases, continued access to critical minerals, cooperation on fentanyl control and potential U.S. energy sales to China. Vietnam’s President Lương Cường also attended Gyeongju events, highlighting Hanoi’s active role ahead of its 2027 APEC chairmanship.