President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Japan, where he aims to strengthen trade relations amid ongoing tensions with China. His visit marks an early diplomatic challenge for Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office just last week as the first woman to lead the country. Takaichi is hoping to establish a personal rapport with Trump that could ease the strain between the two nations.
Trump’s itinerary includes a stop in South Korea, concluding his Asian tour after attending a regional summit in Malaysia. There, he engaged with leaders from Southeast Asian nations, reaching initial trade agreements with Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. He noted the importance of discussing the “great friendship” between the United States and Japan during his upcoming meetings.
On Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about a potential trade agreement with China, indicating that both he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping had reached a preliminary consensus that they would aim to finalize later this week. “I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” he remarked, highlighting his respect for Xi.
The president also mentioned that he might finalize a deal concerning TikTok during his meeting with Xi. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on the program “Face the Nation” that the TikTok agreement is set to be concluded on Thursday, coinciding with the Trump-Xi discussions.
Trump is not only focused on trade but has also addressed his political future, explicitly ruling out the possibility of running for vice president to regain the presidency. He described such a move as “too cute,” despite speculation from allies like Steve Bannon that he could serve a third term, which is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.
While in Malaysia, Trump participated in a ceremonial signing of an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which had engaged in conflict earlier in the year. His administration pressured both nations to reach this agreement by threatening to withhold trade benefits. This summit represents Trump’s renewed engagement with Southeast Asia since returning to office.
As Trump heads to Japan, he took to social media to praise Argentine President Javier Milei for his party’s performance in recent midterm elections, viewing it as a validation of Milei’s economic policies aimed at addressing inflation. Trump has extended support to Milei, including a significant $20 billion credit swap line to stabilize Argentina’s economy.
Security issues remain prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region, including concerns over access to the South China Sea and Taiwan. Nevertheless, Trump’s primary focus appears to be on trade, as he continues to advocate for an “America first” economic policy. His administration has utilized tariffs as a means to boost domestic manufacturing and negotiate more favorable trade terms.
The president’s unilateral authority to impose tariffs is currently under scrutiny, with a Supreme Court decision pending that could either affirm or limit his powers in this area. As Trump prepares for his discussions in Japan and South Korea, the international community remains watchful of the outcomes of these critical meetings.
