U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia today, launching a critical multi-nation Asia tour aimed at tackling pressing geopolitical challenges, including the U.S.-China trade war and the future of denuclearization talks with North Korea.
Global markets are closely watching for a potential meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to address the protracted trade war. This would mark their first encounter since Trump’s return to the White House and is a focal point of the tour.
Another significant development could be a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which would be their first since 2019. South Korea’s Unification Minister stated there is a “high possibility” of such a meeting during Trump’s time on the Korean Peninsula. Trump himself has expressed being “open” to the possibility.
The tour commenced with President Trump’s arrival in Malaysia, where he is scheduled to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. He previously skipped several ASEAN gatherings during his first term.
A key diplomatic achievement on the agenda in Malaysia is the witnessing of a declaration on Thailand-Cambodia relations. This agreement, which the U.S. helped mediate, aims to resolve tensions that have persisted for decades. Trump announced via social media that “We will sign the agreement immediately upon arrival.”
Beyond these high-profile engagements, Trump is also slated to sign a new trade agreement with Malaysia.
He is also expected to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. This meeting seeks to improve relations, which have been strained for several months.
Following his engagements in Malaysia, President Trump is scheduled to travel to Tokyo, Japan, on Monday. There, he will meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday. Trump has publicly praised Takaichi as a worthy successor to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom he enjoyed a close relationship.
The tour’s culminating events are set for South Korea. Trump will arrive in Busan on Wednesday to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. On Thursday, he is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.