During an official visit, Trump discusses trade and defense with the president of South Korea.
Gyeongju meeting to address tariffs, AI chips, and regional security; meeting with Xi Jinping scheduled for Thursday
247 - The President of the United States, Donald Trump, arrived in South Korea on Wednesday (29) for an official visit marked by sensitive trade and security issues. In Gyeongju, he met with the president Lee Jae Myung to discuss tariffs, defense, and the growing technological dispute with China. This information comes from... Reuters, who attended the meeting between the two leaders on the eve of the summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)Trump stated he was "very optimistic" about the possibility of reaching new trade agreements with both Seoul and Beijing.
Trade and technology dominate the agenda.
During a speech to executives at the APEC luncheon, Trump anticipated that he might address, in his meeting on Thursday (30) with the president Xi Jinping, the impasse over artificial intelligence chips from Nvidiawhose model Blackwell It is the most advanced on the market.We can discuss this with President Xi.“Trump declared.I am very optimistic about our personal meeting.. "
The sale of US AI chips to China has been one of the most contentious points in negotiations between the two largest economies on the planet. Washington claims the restrictions are necessary for security reasons, while Beijing criticizes the measures as unfair trade barriers.
Nvidia's CEO, Jensen HuangHe stated that the company did not request new export licenses from the US due to Chinese resistance.I hope this changes in the future, because China is a very important market.“Huang said.
Pressure on tariffs and investments
One of the main obstacles in the talks between Washington and Seoul is a $350 billion investment commitment promised by South Korea. Trump demands that the amount be paid "in cash," which, according to Lee, could "destabilize the country's financial market." Tariffs on automobiles are also at the center of the dispute. Before the imposition of a 25% tax by the US, South Korean vehicles were exempt. In 2024, 49% of South Korea's car exports went to the American market., generating US$ 34,7 billion.
Defense and nuclear energy
In the area of defense, Trump demanded an increase in payments from South Korea for the presence of American troops in the country — approximately ten times more that the current value is 1,5 trillion won (US$1,06 billion). Lee, in turn, advocated for progress on the civilian nuclear program and requested permission for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel e uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes.We do not intend to build submarines with nuclear weapons.Yes, but diesel engines have operational limitations. If we can use nuclear propulsion fuel, The US military burden would be reduced."explained the South Korean president."
Relations with North Korea
Trump ruled out a meeting with the North Korean leader. Kim Jong Un during this visit, although he stated that he intends toto restore relations between the two KoreasLee, for his part, stated that he believes Trump is “The ideal person to bring Pyongyang back to dialogue.The trip takes place after new missile tests conducted by North Korea, which reinforced concerns about regional stability.
Protests in Seoul
Trump's visit was met with demonstrations in Seoul Last weekend, more than a thousand people took to the streets to criticize American investment requirements. The protester Lee Mi-seon, 42, called Trump's request "absurd":At a time when our country should be focused on managing its own finances, the US is acting coercively and practically looting us.”, he told Reuters.
Recognition and official ceremony
During the meeting, Lee awarded Trump the "Order of Mugunghwa".The highest honor in South Korea, awarded the medal in recognition of his role as a "peacemaker." The American president joked upon receiving the medal:I would like to use it right now."Trump also won a replica of an ancient gold crown, a symbol of Korean royalty. Lee explained that the piece represents “the divine link between the heavens and sovereign authority on Earth".
Expectations for the meeting with Xi Jinping
Trump and Xi are expected to meet this Thursday (30) in Gyeongju, where the American president hopes “to reach a good agreement for both countries.The meeting could mark a new chapter in relations between Washington and Beijing, after months of tension over trade and technology.
