[US-China Summit] Meeting Face-to-Face After 6 Years and 4 Months... Pleasantries Exchanged, but a "Tough Negotiator" Joke Thrown In

Trump: "My Old Friend, It's an Honor to Be With You"... Xi Mentions Gaza Ceasefire, Says "Sincere About World Peace"

Trump Arrived About 45 Minutes Earlier Than Scheduled Start Time, Also Stepped Out First for Photos

When Asked "Are You Discussing Taiwan?", Both Leaders Moved to the Meeting Room in Silence

US President Trump (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping [AP·EPA=Yonhap News File Photo. Reproduction and DB Prohibited]

Amidst the global trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met face-to-face in Busan for the first time in 6 years and 4 months on the 30th.

President Trump arrived at Naraejeon, the meeting venue at Gimhae Airport in Busan, before Chinese President Xi Jinping for the US-China summit, considered the biggest "big event" during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, and was seen waiting for President Xi.

President Trump departed from Gyeongju, where his accommodation was prepared, aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter, at around 9:43 AM, heading for Gimhae Airport.

Marine One, carrying President Trump, appeared in the skies over Gimhae Airport at around 10:14 AM, less than 30 minutes later.

Marine One Arrives at Gimhae Airport for US-China Meeting (Busan=Yonhap News) Reporter Son Hyeong-ju = The presidential helicopter 'Marine One', carrying US President Donald Trump, lands at Busan Gimhae International Airport on the 30th ahead of the US-China summit. 2025.10.30 handbrother@yna.co.kr

Considering that the scheduled start time for the US-China summit was 11 AM, President Trump arrived approximately 45 minutes early and waited for President Xi.

Afterward, President Trump boarded his presidential limousine, "The Beast," which was waiting in front of Marine One, and entered the Naraejeon building at around 10:26 AM.

President Xi arrived at Gimhae Airport at approximately the same time President Trump entered the Naraejeon building, disembarking from his private jet at around 10:48 AM.

Both leaders exchanged pleasantries during their opening remarks for the meeting, but a pointed joke was also made.

In his opening remarks, President Trump said, "This is a great honor to be with this very dignified and respected President of China," and added, "He has been my friend for a very long time."

Shaking hands with President Xi before the meeting, President Trump jested, keeping fierce negotiations in mind, "You are a very tough negotiator. That's not good."

In his opening remarks, President Xi stated, "China is ready to cooperate with the United States, and the US and China should be friends," adding, "China's development also goes hand in hand with the 'Make America Great Again' vision."

He referenced President Trump's mediation for a ceasefire in the Gaza War, evaluating, "President Trump is sincere about world peace and shows great interest in various global hotspots."

Before the meeting began, President Trump and President Xi posed for photographs against the backdrop of the national flags of both countries. Even at the photo session, President Trump stepped out before President Xi and waited for him.

At 11:08 AM, President Trump extended his hand to President Xi for a handshake, gently touching President Xi's back in the process. President Trump wore a red tie, while President Xi wore a bluish-gray tie.

When reporters asked, "Will the Taiwan issue be discussed at this meeting?" both leaders did not respond.

Afterward, President Trump said, "Thank you," and headed towards the exit, while President Xi also waved to the reporters and moved on to begin the US-China summit, which the entire world was watching.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Arrives in Korea for APEC (Busan=Yonhap News) Reporter Son Hyeong-ju = Chinese President Xi Jinping, on a state visit to Korea to attend the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, arrives at Busan Gimhae International Airport on the 30th and is seen moving. 2025.10.30 handbrother@yna.co.kr

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported, "Upon arrival at Gimhae Airport, President Xi was warmly welcomed by senior Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun," and added, "21 ceremonial gun salutes were fired at the airport."

It also stated, "Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing also greeted President Xi at the airport."

After a brief welcoming ceremony, President Xi boarded a car waiting in front of his private jet and proceeded to the building where Naraejeon is located.

President Xi arrived in front of Naraejeon with about five minutes remaining before the meeting was scheduled to begin. A woman, who appeared to be a US government official, welcomed President Xi in front of the building. Yonhap News