Overview
- Donald Trump and Xi Jinping reached a preliminary one-year pause in parts of their trade dispute, with reported elements such as tariff relief, a restart of rare‑earth exports and renewed Chinese soy purchases still requiring final terms and verification.
- APEC leaders issued the Gyeongju Declaration to expand trade ties and coordinate on artificial intelligence and demographic challenges across the region.
- With Trump departing before the summit opened, Xi Jinping assumed a central role in Gyeongju and cast China as a champion of open commerce and stable supply chains.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the reopening of military‑to‑military communication channels with China to reduce risks of incidents, with additional meetings already planned.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned tariffs could be restored if Beijing fails to deliver on commitments, while Trump said Taiwan was not discussed but asserted Xi understands the consequences of any invasion.