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President Trump and Xi Jinping held multiple calls this week, signaling efforts to stabilize relations. They discussed trade, TikTok, and upcoming in-person meetings at the APEC summit. While progress was reported, key issues like TikTok's ownership and trade tariffs remain unresolved amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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As of late October 2025, US-India trade talks remain stalled amid tensions over India's discounted Russian crude imports. President Trump claims Prime Minister Modi assured him India will soon halt these purchases, but India has not formally confirmed this. The US maintains 50% tariffs on Indian goods, complicating efforts to finalize a trade deal before India's November state elections.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departs for Malaysia to attend ASEAN and APEC summits, plans to meet US President Trump, and emphasizes promoting the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' policy amid regional tensions and diplomatic sensitivities. She also refrains from visiting Yasukuni Shrine during the autumn festival to avoid diplomatic fallout.
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U.S. President Donald Trump is exploring the possibility of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia trip. While no formal plans are confirmed, regional tensions and diplomatic signals suggest a potential meeting, amid North Korea's strengthened alliances and nuclear posture.
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On November 7, 2025, North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, following new U.S. sanctions targeting North Korean cybercrime-linked entities. The missile launch coincided with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to South Korea and joint military drills. Pyongyang warned of more offensive actions against perceived threats, while Washington assessed no immediate danger to U.S. or allied territories.
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President Trump is in South Korea for the APEC summit, where he expects to meet Xi Jinping to de-escalate trade tensions. Talks focus on tariffs, export controls, and US-China relations amid ongoing disputes over trade practices, rare earths, and technology restrictions. The outcome remains uncertain but signals a potential easing of tensions.
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President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to meet in South Korea amid ongoing trade tensions, tariffs, and export restrictions. Both sides signal a tentative easing, with hopes for a short-term détente that could influence global markets and regional diplomacy. The meeting follows recent signals of cooperation and mutual interest.
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US President Donald Trump is in Southeast Asia for a series of summits, including ASEAN and APEC, aiming to boost economic ties, oversee a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip highlights US-China rivalry and regional security concerns.
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President Trump confirmed a trade agreement with South Korea during a dinner with President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju. The deal involves phased investments and a split of a $350 billion investment pledge, amid ongoing disagreements over structure and timing. The talks are part of broader diplomatic efforts during Trump’s Asia tour.
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Recent diplomatic efforts have led to a temporary easing of trade tensions between the US and China, with preliminary agreements and high-level meetings in Asia. Leaders from South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia also made progress, boosting regional markets and optimism for future cooperation amid slowing regional growth forecasts.
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President Trump and Xi Jinping held their first face-to-face talks since 2019 in Busan, South Korea, focusing on trade, tariffs, and strategic issues. Both leaders discussed upcoming summits, potential visits, and areas of cooperation, signaling a possible shift toward a more constructive relationship amid ongoing tensions.
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Japan's new prime minister, Takaichi, and South Korea's Lee met at the Apec summit, emphasizing future cooperation despite historical tensions. Both leaders avoided contentious issues, focusing on economic and security ties amid regional challenges and US involvement. The relationship remains pragmatic but cautious.
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During a summit in Gyeongju, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung exchanged jokes about the security of Xiaomi smartphones gifted to Lee. Xi's comment about checking for backdoors drew laughter, highlighting a moment of levity amid diplomatic talks. The phones may be used by Lee in future communications.
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At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to de-escalate their trade war, scaling back tariffs and securing supply chains. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Xi to discuss denuclearization and economic ties amid Seoul's balancing act between Washington and Beijing.
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South Korea has received U.S. approval to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of a broader security and trade deal. The agreement includes U.S. support for Seoul's nuclear industry expansion and significant bilateral investments, with construction plans still under discussion and details to be finalized by January 2029.
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As of early December 2025, South Korea is progressing with plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines, backed by U.S. approval for fuel access. This move aims to counter North Korea's growing military threats, including drone and missile expansions. Meanwhile, South Korea's new president seeks dialogue with North Korea amid ongoing border tensions and military provocations.