Why Xi and Trump chose to talk in Busan, away from South Korea’s Apec events

Highly anticipated talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Apec summit are set for Thursday in Busan, South Korea – some 85km (53 miles) from the forum’s main events in Gyeongju – and security considerations could explain why as the two seek to make headway on issues that have strained ties.

On Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry announced that Xi and Trump would meet in Busan to “exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest”.

Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the two leaders would engage in in-depth discussions on “strategic and long-term issues” concerning bilateral relations, as well as major topics of mutual interest.

“We are willing to work with the US side to ensure positive outcomes from this meeting, providing new guidance and injecting fresh momentum into the stable development of China-US relations,” Guo added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and US President Donald Trump last met in person in 2019. Photo: AFP

The talks would start at 11am local time on Thursday, Reuters reported, quoting the White House.

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