Trump at APEC CEO Summit 2025

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his tariff policies have not only strengthened the American economy but are also serving as an important factor for global peace. Speaking at the 2025 edition of the APEC CEO Summit, organised in Gyeongju, South Korea, the US president said: “Not only are the tariffs strengthening our alliances, they’re also bringing peace to the world. On Sunday in Malaysia, we signed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords — ending forever the war between Cambodia and Thailand.”

Speaking on the India-US relations, Trump said he has great respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said he would “do a trade deal with India”. His remarks come at a time when both sides have engaged in several rounds of negotiations to explore a potential trade deal.

The APAC CEO Summit is a much-ancitipated business conference held alongside the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit. This is the second time South Korea is hosting the global event. The APAC Summit was first organised in the country, in Busan, in 2005.

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Here are key takeaways from his 43-minute speech at the APAC Summit luncheon:

I am going to do a trade deal with India, I have great respect for PM Modi: Donald Trump

• I am going to do a trade deal with India
• I have great respect for PM Modi
• We signed a peace proposal in Malaysia to help end the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand
• Economic security, in fact, is national security
• We helped end wars and establish peace across the world
• Deals, meetings and agreements with the leaders of China and South Korea…

• In just eight months, eight wars were brought to an end
• The economy grew, trade expanded (during this period)
• Between India and Pakistan, the threat of peace tariffs led to a ceasefire
• The same approach is being considered in the context of Russia and Ukraine

• PM Modi is the nicest looking guy
• He is tough as hell

• Together, we will build a future of strong, independent nations on both sides of the vast ocean
• These nations are joined by our common interests, united by common values, and reaching constantly toward a richer, safer, and more peaceful Pacific with fairness, persistence and common sense
• Those are important two words (common sense)
• We will build together
• We will trade together
• We will prosper together
• We will thrive together
• Above all, we will win together like never before
• We’re going to have an incredible relationship together for generations to come