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U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the 21 world leaders gathering in Gyeongju, South Korea, for the APEC 2025 summit, beginning October 31. / Source: Yonhap News

The ancient city of Gyeongju is set to host an unprecedented gathering of global leaders this week as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit opens, drawing top officials from all 21 member economies.

According to diplomatic sources on October 28, heads of state and senior representatives will begin arriving from October 29 ahead of the summit’s official opening on October 31. The meeting is expected to become a focal point of intense regional diplomacy, featuring U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both visiting South Korea as state guests—a rare honor, especially with ceremonies taking place not in Seoul but in Gyeongju.

President Trump, making his first trip to South Korea since his return to office, will deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit and hold a bilateral meeting with President Lee Jae-myung. He is scheduled for a one-night stay, though reports suggest his visit could be extended for a possible surprise meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Xi Jinping, meanwhile, will meet President Lee on November 1 for a Korea-China summit and officially assume the APEC chairmanship from Lee for next year.

Other high-profile attendees include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who will make her first visit to South Korea since taking office. Observers expect the summit to reinforce newly restored “shuttle diplomacy” between Seoul and Tokyo.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are also confirmed to attend, alongside Chilean President Gabriel Boric, the only Latin American head of state joining the event. Chile holds symbolic importance as the first South American nation to recognize the Republic of Korea.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled his attendance following the passing of Queen Sirikit on October 25. Russia will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, standing in for President Vladimir Putin, who faces an ICC arrest warrant over the war in Ukraine.

Due to the “One China” policy, Taiwan will be represented by senior presidential adviser Lin Hsin-yi, while Hong Kong will send Chief Executive John Lee.

Peru, currently grappling with a presidential impeachment crisis, and Mexico will both dispatch ministerial-level envoys. Outside APEC, UAE Crown Prince Khalid Al Nahyan and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva are also expected to attend, underscoring the global significance of the Gyeongju summit.