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U.S. President Donald Trump has begun a crucial five-day trip to Asia, aiming to restore trade relations and secure key deals in a region unsettled by his aggressive trade policies. The tour, which includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, marks Trump’s longest overseas trip since taking office. His agenda focuses on trade, critical minerals, and ceasefire agreements ahead of a highly anticipated—though uncertain—meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The White House confirmed the trip on Thursday, noting that the Trump-Xi meeting in Busan remains tentative. Both sides are tempering expectations, with discussions centered on managing disputes rather than achieving a breakthrough. Potential outcomes could involve limited tariff relief, continued current rates, or renewed Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and Boeing aircraft. Washington may also allow more semiconductor exports to Beijing, while China could ease restrictions on rare earth magnets. However, officials admit no deal may materialize.
In Kuala Lumpur, Trump may witness a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia before traveling to Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Japan is expected to reaffirm plans to boost military spending and invest $550 billion in the U.S. Trump will conclude his trip in South Korea, where he hopes to stabilize trade relations strained by investment demands and worker deportation issues.
The president is also expected to address sensitive topics, including Taiwan, Russia, and the imprisonment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Meanwhile, prospects of reviving trade talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney remain uncertain.
Trump’s Asia visit underscores his bid to reinforce U.S. influence, secure economic leverage, and maintain fragile ceasefires amid ongoing global conflicts and escalating trade tensions with China.
