Trump reveals Xi Jinping meeting timeline while discussing Kim Jong Un relations in South Korea
In a recent diplomatic dinner hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, former President Donald Trump provided insights into his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for Thursday. Speaking candidly, Trump revealed that he expects the meeting to last between three to four hours, a duration he believes will yield satisfactory outcomes for both China and the United States. Trump expressed optimism about the discussions, stating, “I think it’s going to be a very good meeting. I look forward to it tomorrow morning when we meet.” This meeting comes at a critical time as the U.S. navigates complex trade relations with China and ongoing tensions with North Korea.
The backdrop of Trump’s Asia trip, which includes stops in Japan and South Korea, highlights his efforts to strengthen international ties amid rising geopolitical tensions. During the dinner, Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, expressing confidence that relations would improve. He remarked, “You have a neighbor that hasn’t been as nice as they could be, and I think they will be,” indicating his belief that a resolution is within reach. Trump has previously indicated a willingness to meet with Kim during his visit, recalling their past interactions and the rapport they developed during his presidency, where he notably became the first sitting U.S. president to visit North Korea.
As Trump seeks to solidify a new trade agreement with South Korea, experts suggest that his primary objective is to secure significant investments—up to $350 billion—while encouraging a stronger stance from South Korea against China. The dynamics of this meeting are particularly interesting given that President Lee leads a left-leaning government that has been cautious about deepening ties with the U.S. due to potential repercussions from China. Former U.S. Embassy political affairs counselor Henry Haggard noted that Lee’s approach will be crucial for maintaining a positive bilateral relationship, as he aims to charm Trump while navigating the delicate balance of U.S.-China relations. As the Asia trip progresses, the outcomes of these discussions will likely have lasting implications for regional stability and international trade.
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President
Donald Trump
offered new details about his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, saying he expected the meeting to last several hours.
Trump made the comments during a diplomatic dinner hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday. Trump was caught on a hot mic as he sat down for the meal, saying his meeting with Xi on Thursday morning would last “three to four hours.”
“We’re going to have something that’s going to be very, very satisfactory to China and to us. I think we’re gonna have a — I think it’s going to be a very good meeting. I look forward to it tomorrow morning when we meet,” Trump said.
During his formal remarks, Trump also said he was confident that South Korea’s conflict with North Korean dictator
Kim Jong Un
would “work out very well.”
TRUMP TO JET OFF TO ASIA AS NORTH KOREA FIRES BALLISTIC MISSILES AND CHINA TRADE QUESTIONS LOOM
“You have a neighbor that hasn’t been as nice as they could be, and I think they will be. I know Kim Jong Un very well, and I think things will work out very well,” he said.
Trump said earlier this week
that he would be open to meeting with Kim during his time in South Korea. Trump is entering the final leg of his five-day Asia trip on Wednesday, having already visited Japan earlier this week.
“I’d love to
meet with him
if he’d like to meet. I got along great with Kim Jong Un. I liked him, he liked me,” Trump said during a gaggle on Air Force One on Monday.
TRUMP’S FOCUS TURNS TO JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA AS ASIA TRIP CONTINUES
Trump met with Kim multiple times during his first term, becoming the first U.S. president to set foot in North Korea. No meeting has been announced for this week, however.
Trump’s talks with his South Korean counterpart come as the two countries move closer to completing a new trade agreement.
Henry Haggard, former minister counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, told Fox News Digital, “Trump’s main objective in meeting Lee Jae-myung is to secure a trade deal and, along with that, $350 billion in investments in the United States.”
“He will also seek to push Lee to commit to a
stronger stance against China
, and to increase defense spending. Lee will seek to charm Trump, as the key to keeping the bilateral relationship on track is for Lee to have a stronger relationship with Trump.”
Lee is head of a left-leaning government that has so far shown reluctance to enhance South Korea’s partnership with the U.S. for fear of provoking Chinese backlash.
Fox News’ Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
