Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – China confirmed that President Xi Jinping will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea on Thursday, as Trump earlier stated that he and President Xi aimed to reach a good deal for both countries.
Trump landed in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday as the last part of a six-day Asia trip that also included visits to Malaysia and Japan. Xi will visit South Korea from Thursday to Saturday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and a state visit.
What message did China deliver ahead of the talks?
“The two heads of state will have in-depth communications on strategic and long-term issues,”
a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
“We are willing to make joint efforts with the United States to promote the positive results of this meeting and provide new guidance and impetus for the stable development of China-U.S. relations,”
the spokesperson added.
How did South Korea welcome Trump upon his arrival?
Trump received a lavish welcome, with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presenting him the nation’s highest honour, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, for his “contribution to peace on the Korean peninsula,”
CNN reported.
Upon arriving, Trump was welcomed by a military band performing “YMCA,” the Village People hit that has become somewhat of a rallying cry for the president and his political base.
Donald Trump has told a room full of CEOs at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea that he believes the US is “going to have a deal” with China, and it will be “a good deal for both.”
Trump expressed that he would cherish the “beautiful” medal, calling it a “great honour” to receive. He also added that US-South Korean relations would only improve from this point stronger.
How did protesters in South Korea react to Trump’s visit?
When US President Donald Trump arrived in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday, he was also met by a crowd of protests, Reuters reported.
Anti-Trump activists waved signs and placards, some mentioning the “No Kings” rallies held nationwide in protest of what organisers called Trump’s “authoritarian” agenda.
At the demonstration, some protesters condemned the imposition of tariffs on nations n the region, with one woman calling them “oppressive” and “cruel.”
