US President Donald Trump on Friday began a tour of Asia aimed at easing trade tensions and repairing ties with China. The trip, which will last five days, takes him to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, marking his first visit to the region and his longest journey abroad since taking office in January.
The most significant engagement is expected at the end of the month, when Trump will meet Chinese Premier Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, to discuss trade issues and potentially Taiwan.
Meeting with Xi Jinping
Trump is scheduled to meet Xi on Thursday, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. While the precise topics of discussion remain undisclosed, the talks are widely anticipated to address trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump recently indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs on Chinese exports, provided Beijing makes concessions, including resuming purchases of US soya beans and limiting the flow of fentanyl ingredients.
Observers warn that failure to resolve these tensions could further harm US industries already affected by prior tariffs. Taiwan is also expected to feature in discussions, amid concerns over US support for the self-governing island.
Tariff deals for Southeast Asia
Trump’s attendance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur will focus on regional trade. The bloc’s ten members exported goods worth $312 billion to the US in 2024, up from $142 billion in 2017.
Leaders are expected to discuss trade with Vietnam and Thailand, which are major contributors to the US trade deficit.
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Diplomatic role in regional peace
In Malaysia, Trump is also expected to witness developments in a fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered after deadly clashes in July that left dozens dead and displaced around 300,000 people.
A successful agreement would allow Trump to present himself as a peacemaker on the global stage.
Prospect of meeting Kim Jong-un
A meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears unlikely during this visit. However, Trump has expressed a continued interest in engaging with Kim regarding the country’s nuclear programme.
Previous attempts, including two summits in 2018 and 2019 and a visit to the demilitarised zone later in 2019, did not achieve results.
Impact of ICE raid on US-South Korea ties
Tensions with South Korea remain sensitive following last month’s US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a South Korean-owned electric battery plant under construction in Georgia, which saw around 300 South Korean nationals detained.
Despite public anger in Seoul, President Lee Jae-myung is expected to prioritise bilateral discussions during his meeting with Trump in Gyeongju on Wednesday.
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