U.S. President Donald Trump met with Republic of Korea (ROK) leader Lee Jae-myung in Gyeongju on Wednesday, striking an optimistic tone on resolving stalled trade negotiations while addressing regional security concerns during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Trade Deal Progress
Trump reiterated plans to finalize a tariff agreement with the ROK 'very soon,' despite stalled talks over a $350 billion investment package announced in July. The deal aims to shield the ROK from U.S. tariffs but has faced delays due to disagreements on investment structures.
Ceremonial Gestures and Defense Pledges
Lee presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the ROK's highest honor, during a meeting at the National Museum. At a working lunch, Lee pledged increased defense spending, aligning with Trump's calls for allies to bolster military contributions. The ROK leader also sought U.S. approval to reprocess nuclear fuel for submarine propulsion, currently restricted under bilateral agreements.
Regional Security Focus
Trump vowed to address the ROK's challenges with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), emphasizing collaboration on regional stability. The discussions underscored the strategic balance between economic cooperation and security priorities in Asia.
The APEC gathering, attended by leaders from 21 member economies, highlighted the ROK's role as a bridge for U.S.-Asia economic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics.
