Trump skips APEC plenary session, raising questions over U.S. diplomatic presence

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to leave South Korea without attending the plenary session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit has drawn sharp reactions from the international community, with analysts warning that the move may weaken Washington’s influence in the region.

On November 30, local time, major U.S. media outlets, including the Associated Press (AP), noted that Trump’s early departure could damage America's credibility among Asian partners. The contrast was especially visible as Chinese President Xi Jinping remained present and actively engaged on the multilateral stage, further positioning China as a growing diplomatic force in the region.

Earlier that day, Trump held a 1 hour and 40 minute bilateral summit with President Xi at the Korean military terminal of Busan’s Gimhae Airport. After the meeting, Trump immediately boarded Air Force One to return to Washington, foregoing participation in the main leaders’ session and concluding his two-day visit to South Korea.

Trump has consistently emphasized an “America First” foreign policy, favoring one-on-one negotiations over multilateral forums. His administration has withdrawn from international bodies such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization (WHO), and he has already stated that he will not attend next month’s G20 summit in South Africa.

However, experts argue that skipping APEC carries particular diplomatic risks in the Asian context, where attendance itself is perceived as a sign of respect and commitment.

APEC represents roughly 40% of the world’s population and more than half of global trade, positioning it as a central platform in the Indo-Pacific strategy — a strategy the Trump administration has repeatedly cited as a priority.

“President Trump has always resisted frameworks that place constraints on his actions,” said Michael Green, director at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. “Still, this decision may underestimate the symbolic and strategic importance of multilateral diplomacy in Asia.”

Meanwhile, President Xi took a highly visible role at the summit, underscoring themes of free trade, stability, and economic partnership. His presence drew significant media attention, shifting focus toward China’s long-term strategic messaging.

Chinese commentators have argued that the global community is now preparing for a “post-American era,” in which China could emerge as a central diplomatic actor. The state-run Global Times noted that China aimed to present itself at APEC as a “reliable alternative partner” and a defender of open global markets.

While analysts caution against prematurely declaring a shift in global leadership, many acknowledge that symbolic gestures — such as who shows up and who does not — continue to shape diplomatic perception across the Asia-Pacific region.