Trump Embarks on Key Asia Trip, Eyes Trade Deals with Xi

US President Donald Trump is set to begin an important trip to Asia this week, focusing on potential trade deals and regional security. His itinerary includes meetings with leaders from Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, with particular attention on his anticipated meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This visit comes during a period of heightened trade tensions between the United States and China, which have significant implications for the global economy.

The trip marks Trump’s first visit to Asia since he returned to the White House, following a series of tariffs and geopolitical maneuvers. Starting on October 26, Trump will attend the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Malaysia. Although details of the trip remain largely unspecified by the White House, Trump has expressed a desire to finalize a “good” deal with China, aiming to alleviate the trade war that has disrupted markets worldwide.

In Malaysia, Trump is expected to sign a trade agreement and facilitate a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of the ongoing negotiations, stating, “President Trump is keen to see the more positive results of the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia.” Additionally, Trump may meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the summit to improve bilateral relations strained in recent months.

Following Malaysia, Trump will travel to Tokyo, where he is likely to meet with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Japan has largely avoided the effects of Trump’s tariffs, which he imposed on various countries to address what he claims are unfair trade practices. During this visit, Trump aims to persuade Japan to halt energy imports from Russia and to increase its defense spending in line with Western allies.

The climax of Trump’s trip will take place in South Korea, where he is scheduled to arrive on October 29 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The potential meeting with Xi is seen as a crucial opportunity to ease ongoing trade disputes, although tensions surrounding China’s restrictions on rare earth exports could complicate discussions. Trump has previously threatened to cancel the meeting due to these trade issues but later indicated he was still open to dialogue.

Analysts suggest that while the meeting may provide a platform for discussion, significant breakthroughs are unlikely. Ryan Hass, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, remarked, “The meeting will be a data point along an existing continuum rather than an inflection point in the relationship.”

North Korea is also expected to be a topic of discussion during Trump’s visit. The country recently launched multiple ballistic missiles, raising security concerns. Trump has expressed hope for another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, following their previous encounters, though there is no confirmation of plans for such a meeting during this trip.

As the host countries prepare to welcome Trump, they aim to secure favorable terms on trade and security assistance while navigating the complexities of dealing with the unpredictable US president.