Gyeongju Gears Up for APEC 2025: Will U.S. and China Leaders Meet?

President Lee Jae Myung sent invitation letters Monday to 20 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ahead of the 2025 event hosted by South Korea in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, scheduled from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, Lee’s spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said Tuesday.

Kang reported that some leaders who received formal invitations have already verbally confirmed their attendance, though she did not specify which countries. She added that non-APEC members, such as the United Arab Emirates, were also invited to visit Gyeongju, but clarified that North Korea was not among the invitees.

This year’s event will focus on enhancing regional connectivity, advancing digital innovation, and fostering prosperity, according to Lee’s office. The President’s letter also emphasized APEC’s crucial role in promoting sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

These invitations mark Lee’s first official correspondence since taking office in early June, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his mishandling of martial law implementation.

The upcoming summit is expected to draw around 4,000 government representatives from member economies, contributing to a total of approximately 30,000 participants. A key point of interest is whether leaders from major economies, particularly the United States and China, will meet face-to-face amid escalating trade tensions.

In addition to the main event, the summit will feature the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting and the CEO Summit. A week prior, Gyeongju will host APEC Senior Officials’ Meetings and a ministerial-level meeting on foreign affairs and trade.

South Korea, one of the 21 APEC member economies, last hosted an APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Busan in 2005.