Washington: US President Donald Trump is set to embark on a major diplomatic tour of Asia this week, with global attention fixed on his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping — a dialogue expected to shape the future of international trade and security relations.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump described his itinerary as a “big trip,” which will include visits to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. This marks his first official visit to the region since returning to the White House, where he reignited debates over tariffs, trade wars, and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Key Meeting with Xi Jinping
The highlight of Trump’s Asia tour will be his long-anticipated meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. According to the White House, the two will hold discussions on October 30 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Trump had earlier threatened to cancel the meeting due to escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. However, he indicated on Wednesday that he is now optimistic about reaching a “deal on everything.” Analysts believe the meeting could have a significant impact on global markets, particularly after recent disputes over China’s restrictions on rare earth exports.
South Korea’s unification minister, Chung Dong-young, added that there is a “considerable chance” Trump may also meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the trip.
Stops in Malaysia and Japan
Trump will depart Washington on Friday, with his first stop scheduled in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit on Sunday. This marks his return to a summit he skipped several times during his first presidential term.
In Malaysia, Trump is expected to finalize a bilateral trade deal and witness the signing of a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia, as part of his wider diplomatic campaign for regional stability. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Trump is keen to “see the positive results” of the negotiations between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Additionally, Trump may meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the summit to repair strained relations between Washington and Brasília after recent political disagreements.
From Malaysia, Trump will travel to Tokyo, where he is scheduled to meet with Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister. Their talks are expected to focus on trade cooperation, defense ties, and Japan’s role in balancing China’s influence in the Pacific region. Japan, notably, has so far avoided the harshest US tariffs that Trump imposed on other nations during his first term.
Focus on South Korea
The final and most significant leg of Trump’s trip will take place in South Korea. He is expected to arrive in the southern port city of Busan on Wednesday, where he will meet President Lee Jae Myung and deliver a speech at an APEC business leaders’ luncheon.
Later that evening, Trump will attend a dinner meeting with top US technology executives in the city of Gyeongju, setting the stage for his formal summit with Xi the following day.
South Korea is reportedly preparing to honor Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the nation’s highest civilian award, as a gesture of goodwill and an effort to strengthen bilateral relations.
Limited Hopes for a Breakthrough
Experts remain cautious about the prospects for major progress during Trump’s talks with Xi. According to Ryan Hass of the Brookings Institution, “The meeting will be a data point along an existing continuum rather than an inflection point in the relationship.”
Trump, however, has expressed hopes that Xi could use his influence to help end the Russia–Ukraine conflict, signaling a broader diplomatic ambition for the trip.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday — just days before Trump’s scheduled arrival — prompting South Korea to suspend tourist visits to parts of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated that “North Korea appears to be paying attention to the United States,” suggesting that a possible Trump–Kim meeting could still take place if conditions align.
As Trump embarks on his Asia tour, the global community watches closely — awaiting whether his negotiations will lead to renewed diplomacy or further deepen the world’s geopolitical divides.
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