Sat Nov 01 16:36:33 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
On November 1, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju, South Korea, on the sidelines of the APEC summit. This marked Xi’s first visit to South Korea in over a decade and was framed as a reset in relations after years of strain. The meeting highlighted China’s growing influence at the APEC summit, particularly with the early departure of U.S. President Donald Trump. Xi also met with the Canadian Premier and Japans new Premier. Discussions focused on trade, regional stability (including North Korea), and strengthening bilateral ties. Notably, Seoul and Beijing renewed their currency swap agreement.
News Article:
Xi Jinping & Lee Jae Myung Meet at APEC, Signalling Shift in Asian Power Dynamics
Gyeongju, South Korea – November 1, 2025 – Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit culminated in a landmark meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, marking a potential turning point in regional geopolitics. The talks occurred on the final day of Xi’s visit, his first to South Korea in over a decade.
The meeting, held in Gyeongju, saw both leaders emphasize the need for stronger bilateral relations. President Lee framed the visit as a “reset,” highlighting the transition towards a more mutually beneficial economic partnership. President Xi echoed this sentiment, describing China and South Korea as “important neighbours that cannot be moved” and “partners that cannot be separated.” Discussions also touched on resolving disputes through “friendly consultation.”
A key focus was the Korean Peninsula. President Lee sought China’s support in rekindling dialogue with North Korea, referencing recent high-level exchanges between Beijing and Pyongyang. Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
The meeting yielded tangible results, including the renewal of a 70 trillion won ($49 billion) currency swap agreement for another five years, aimed at stabilizing the financial markets of both countries. Numerous MOUs were also signed.
President Xi’s growing prominence at the APEC summit was further underscored by the early departure of U.S. President Donald Trump, who left after a brief trade war detente. Xi took the opportunity to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi.
The APEC summit next year will be hosted in Shenzhen, China.
First Piper 