Global leaders are arriving in Gyeongju, the cultural hub of North Gyeongsang Province, as South Korea hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, The Korea Times reports. Delegates from 21 member economies are expected to discuss trade, technology and security. The theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” underscores the collective aim of strengthening regional cooperation and long-term economic resilience.

United States President Donald Trump was one of the summit’s most widely anticipated attendees. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung plans to use the wider gathering to highlight what he calls “practical diplomacy”, focusing on tariffs, supply chain pressures and defence collaboration. After a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on October 29, Seoul announced that both sides agreed on a broad trade framework covering investment and shipbuilding. This marks Trump’s first visit to South Korea since 2017, during the Moon Jae In administration. For the main APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on October 31 and November 1, the United States will be represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as Trump has now left for Washington.

A crucial bilateral session is planned between President Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China remains South Korea’s biggest trading partner, and the two countries are expected to discuss cooperation in technology and green industries. Xi is also likely to address regional security issues, including matters relating to North Korea. This trip marks Xi’s first visit to South Korea in ten years.

Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, will make her debut on the international stage at the summit. She is prioritising secure supply chains and exploring deeper trilateral cooperation with Seoul and Washington. Following her election, she and President Lee held their first phone call, agreeing to maintain the recent momentum in bilateral relations.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is also attending. Relations between South Korea and Canada have strengthened in areas such as trade, defence technologies and energy security. Seoul is exploring possible participation in Canada’s submarine procurement programme.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, is expected to propose new projects in agricultural technology and discuss increasing direct flights between both countries to encourage tourism and business ties. This follows a recent phone call with President Lee, during which both leaders commended progress in defence and digital finance collaboration.

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah returns for his first official visit since 2019. His focus is expected to be on strengthening economic cooperation, particularly infrastructure and industrial projects involving Korean companies.

Chile’s President, Gabriel Boric Font, plans to emphasise resource collaboration, especially lithium supply, which is essential for South Korea’s battery and advanced manufacturing industries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will highlight continued cooperation on hydrogen energy and critical minerals, while Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong attends as part of his first official visit to South Korea, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

As leaders converge in Gyeongju, South Korea aims to reinforce its growing influence as a key diplomatic and economic connector within the region.