President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea this week as part of a broader tour across Asia aimed at strengthening America’s economic and strategic ties in the region. His trip comes as Washington moves to counter China’s influence in high-tech industries and to anchor a new framework for co-operation among America’s closest allies.

In Seoul, Trump and President Lee Jae Myung unveiled a Technology Prosperity Deal that binds the two countries in advanced sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, 6G networks, and space research. The White House said the pact promotes: “pro-innovation AI policies” and the export of: “trusted AI,” signalling that democratic partners intend to set the standards for future technologies.

South Korea’s government described the agreement as both practical and strategic, encouraging faster commercial use of AI while building long-term: “trustworthy technology leadership.” It covers everything from data regulation and research collaboration to securing supply chains for critical technologies.

The deal mirrors one signed earlier in the week between the United States (US) and Japan, confirming that Washington’s approach is regional rather than bilateral.

Trump’s visit coincides with the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a 21-member governmental forum that brings together economies located on the Pacific Rim and which account for more than half of global trade. South Korea is hosting this year’s gathering, giving added weight to the technology announcement and providing a stage for the US to showcase its economic alliances.

The diplomatic backdrop also includes renewed talk of a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During his stay in Seoul, Trump told reporters: “I’d like to meet him again, if he wants to, if he even gets this message...I know Kim Jong Un very well. We get along very well.” He added, however, that a meeting was unlikely to happen this week due to scheduling constraints. South Korean officials confirmed that while channels remain open, no such encounter is currently planned.