Major protests planned against Trump, Xi in Gyeongju ahead of APEC summit

A protester holds a sign criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump at an anti-U.S. rally held by liberal groups in Seoul, Tuesday. Newsis

As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit draws near, police and authorities in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, are now on high alert for protests targeting two of the most high-profile guests ― U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

With the leaders of the two largest economies in the world scheduled for a rare in-person meeting on Thursday, tensions have been mounting outside the official summit venues. So far, at least 13 organizations are planning to hold 16 separate rallies throughout the city during APEC week, with more activists anticipated to join as the event approaches, according to police on Friday.

The International People’s Action Committee Against 2025 APEC, which consists of 35 left-leaning political parties and civic groups, plans to mobilize protestors from Seoul to Gyeongju in the coming week, voicing opposition to tariff threats from Trump.

“The whole world is unable to respond to Trump’s ruthless tariff war and is being defeated one by one,” the committee said in statement at its launching ceremony last month. “We will march in an international solidarity demonstration, chanting slogans like “Anti-Trump!” and “Economy for all humanity!” against the meaningless performance of APEC leaders who put on pro-Trump shows for the interests of superpowers and big corporations.”

The protesters will be joined by many others, including the Korea Optical High-Tech branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union, which is planning its own anti-U.S. rallies there.

Conservative activists hold an anti-China rally in Seoul, Oct. 3. Newsis

On the other hand, right-leaning groups, led by Liberty University, are organizing their own gatherings near Gyeongju’s Hwangridan-gil, where crowds of up to 2,000 are expected to stage anti-China protests and “China Out” marches during Xi’s visit.

This convergence of rival demonstrations has raised concerns among Korean officials about the potential for violent clashes and the international image of their government as it plays host to dozens of world leaders.

To ensure security, police have issued their highest-level emergency alert. Starting Tuesday, as many as 19,000 officers ― including riot units, SWAT teams and anti-terrorism specialists ― will be deployed throughout the city. Stringent traffic and drone restrictions will also be in place.