US President Donald Trump is preparing to visit South Korea in late October to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, where he may meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and potentially North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The visit, still being finalized, focuses on economic collaboration, trade, defense, and civil nuclear cooperation. The Trump administration sees the trip as an opportunity to secure new economic investments in the US, aligning with his recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Both Trump and Xi have exchanged invitations to visit each other’s countries during a phone call last month, but no firm dates have been set. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung extended the formal invitation to Trump while suggesting the summit could also provide a venue for Trump to meet Kim Jong Un, although Kim’s attendance remains uncertain. This trip comes amid strained US-China relations, with recent geopolitical tensions involving China, Russia, North Korea, and India. Trump recently criticised a high-profile summit hosted by Xi in Beijing, where Xi hosted Kim, Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite tensions, Trump affirmed a “very special relationship” with India, reassuring New Delhi of US commitment amidst evolving regional alliances. The upcoming meetings could either revive diplomatic negotiations or underscore US challenges in a multipolar Asia.