Global leaders gather in Gyeongju for APEC summit

World leaders are gathering in the historic city of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit ― a pivotal event expected to shape the trajectory of economic, technological and diplomatic cooperation across the region and beyond.

Under the theme of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” the high-stakes talks will bring together heads of state and government from 21 member economies as they aim to chart new paths for cooperation in trade, security and technology.

U.S. President Donald Trump is among the most anticipated attendees, as President Lee Jae Myung aims to showcase Korea’s “pragmatic diplomacy” in discussions regarding tariffs, supply chain issues and the defense partnership.

The two allies' ongoing talks may find more clarity after meetings planned during the APEC forum. Following a summit between Lee and Trump on Wednesday, Seoul said the two countries reached a broad trade deal covering investment and shipbuilding. It marks Trump’s first visit to Korea since 2017, during the Moon Jae-in administration.

For the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled to be held from Friday to Saturday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to participate on behalf of Trump, according to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lee's bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping will be critical for Seoul-Beijing relations amid increasing regional uncertainty and intensifying U.S.-China competition.

China has been Korea’s largest trading partner for years; the two countries share interests in technology exchange and green industry collaboration. In his first visit to Korea since 2014, Xi is also expected to discuss regional security, including issues related to Pyongyang.

Making her debut on the global stage, new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to pursue her country’s interest in building resilient supply chains and fostering trilateral security cooperation with Seoul and Washington.

In their first phone call following her election win Tuesday, Lee and Takaichi affirmed their intention to maintain the positive momentum of their bilateral ties and continue exchanges between the two neighboring nations, according to Lee’s office.

Under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Korea-Canada ties have strengthened, with a focus on deepening partnerships in trade, defense and other areas. During Carney’s visit, both countries would seek to expand cooperation in defense technologies and energy security, with Korea showing interest in participating in Canada’s submarine procurement project.

Earlier this month, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had a phone conversation with Lee in which they both praised cooperation between the two countries and agreed to proactively pursue mutually beneficial projects in defense, digital finance and other areas.

During his Gyeongju visit, the Thai leader is expected to propose fresh agri-tech deals and seek to facilitate additional direct flights, aiming to further strengthen business and people-to-people ties.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei's participation in the APEC Summit marks his first official visit to Korea since 2019 and demonstrates Brunei’s commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Korea, especially regarding trade and investment projects involving Korean firms in infrastructure and industrial development there.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font's key agenda in relation to Korea centers on economic and resource partnership ― especially the supply of lithium, which is critical for Korea’s battery and advanced manufacturing industries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s presence is expected to highlight both countries’ commitment to open trade and stability. Australia and Korea, both U.S. allies, have recently expanded collaboration on hydrogen energy, critical minerals and education.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is also attending the summit. This is his first official visit to Korea as prime minister and also marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Korea diplomatic relations this year.

As each of these high-profile guests brings potential partnerships and new perspectives to APEC, the summit is poised to further diversify Korea’s global networks and reinforce its emerging role as a nexus of regional diplomacy.