US President Donald Trump departed South Korea on Thursday, concluding a 10-day tour of Asia that included visits to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, as well as high-profile trade discussions and international meetings. His final stop in Asia was Busan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The White House has not yet released any official details or statements regarding the Trump-Xi meeting, leaving observers and analysts waiting for clarity on the discussions between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.
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Trump boarded Air Force One at Busan Air Base following the meeting, waving to onlookers and pumping his fist before boarding for the long flight back to Washington.
White House Highlights ‘Successful’ Asia Trip
In a social media post just before his departure, the White House summarized the trip as “remarkable,” noting that the president secured billions in new investments, ended a war, signed multiple trade and minerals deals, and met with President Xi.” The post emphasized Trump’s continuous work for the United States throughout the tour.
During the visit, Trump participated in several high-level engagements, including bilateral talks, business meetings, and multilateral forums, culminating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Busan.
Xi Meeting Draws Global Attention
The Trump-Xi meeting was widely regarded as the centerpiece of the president’s trip. Analysts noted that the meeting offered an important opportunity to address ongoing tensions between the US and China, including issues surrounding tariffs, technology restrictions, and rare-earth mineral exports.
However, no official readout or statement was released after the meeting. Reporters traveling with the president confirmed that Trump did not take questions before boarding Air Force One, and the White House press office provided no immediate updates.
The meeting took place in Busan, a port city approximately 76 kilometers south of Gyeongju, the main venue of the APEC summit. While both leaders were expected to discuss economic cooperation and trade issues, the lack of public information has fueled speculation about the outcomes of the talks.
Focus on Trade, Investment, and Strategic Talks
Throughout his Asia tour, Trump emphasized trade and investment as central priorities. In Japan and Malaysia, he held discussions with business leaders and government officials to strengthen commercial ties, while also highlighting US strategic interests in the region.
The Busan meeting with Xi was closely watched by international media, as it could influence global markets and affect negotiations over ongoing trade disputes. Experts note that any formal announcements or agreements stemming from the meeting are likely to be released in the coming days.
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Return to Washington and Next Steps
After departing South Korea, Trump is scheduled to return to Washington to resume his official duties. The White House has not indicated when or if a detailed statement regarding the Xi meeting will be issued.
Meanwhile, world leaders, investors, and media outlets remain attentive to any developments or clarifications that could emerge from the previously unreported discussions. The meeting marks a key moment in US-China relations amid ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical challenges.