President Donald Trump embarked on his most ambitious diplomatic mission since returning to office, launching a five-day Asian tour designed to secure multiple trade agreements while navigating escalating tensions with China’s President Xi Jinping.
The historic journey, Trump’s inaugural visit to the region during his second term, includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. The centerpiece remains Thursday’s anticipated face-to-face meeting with Xi in Busan, South Korea, where the leaders will attempt to de-escalate a damaging trade conflict threatening global economic stability.
Washington and Beijing have exchanged punitive tariffs on bilateral exports while threatening restrictions on critical minerals and advanced technologies. Trump has warned of raising Chinese import tariffs to approximately 155 percent by November if negotiations fail, potentially triggering severe retaliatory measures from Beijing.
Neither administration anticipates restoring pre-2025 trade conditions, according to diplomatic sources. Instead, discussions focus on managing disagreements through modest concessions. Potential compromises include limited tariff relief, Chinese commitments to purchase American soybeans and Boeing aircraft, and relaxed restrictions on semiconductor exports and rare earth minerals.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent initially characterized the Xi meeting as a casual “pull-aside,” though Trump later suggested extended discussions would address fundamental economic concerns. Beijing has yet to officially confirm the summit.
The President’s itinerary includes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he may oversee a Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement. A refueling stop in Qatar enabled brief consultations with Qatari leadership regarding Gaza peace efforts.
In Tokyo, Trump will meet newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is expected to reaffirm increased defense spending and a substantial $550 billion investment commitment in American enterprises.
Beyond trade, discussions with Xi will likely address Taiwan sovereignty issues, Russian sanctions over Ukraine, and the imprisonment of Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai.
Trump indicated openness to resuming dialogue with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, though no formal meeting has been scheduled during this visit.
