President Donald Trump is set to embark on a significant Asia tour, which will see him meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit. This encounter follows recent tensions, including North Korea’s ballistic missile tests, which have heightened regional concerns. Trade negotiations with China are also a key focus as the U.S. plans to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods. Trump’s meeting with Xi marks their first in-person meeting since he assumed office, with both leaders aiming to resolve trade disputes. The trip will also include meetings with leaders from Malaysia, Thailand, and Japan, highlighting Trump’s efforts to engage with key regional players amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The White House confirmed that Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. This meeting comes amid escalated tensions between the two countries on trade after Beijing announced it would impose export controls on rare-earth magnets, which are used in a host of products ranging from electric cars to F-35 fighter jets. In response, Trump announced the U.S. would impose a new 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, which is slated to take effect in November.
Even so, Trump sought to diffuse tensions and has routinely touted his relationship with Xi in recent weeks. Additionally, he has voiced confidence both parties will walk away from the summit pleased and that a deal will be made. ‘I think we are going to come out very well, and everyone’s going to be very happy,’ Trump said.
Trump’s meeting with Xi will mark the first time they’ve met in person since Trump took office in January. The two previously met in person in June 2019 in Japan. The summit between Trump and Xi will come on the tail end of a larger trip to the region. Trump is first headed to Malaysia to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim before participating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) dinner in the evening.
While in Malaysia, he will also meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Trump will then head to Tokyo Monday and is slated to meet on Tuesday with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who was just elected earlier in October. Takaichi is the first woman to serve as the prime minister of Japan.
Trump will then close out his trip heading to South Korea, where he will meet with the South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and will deliver keynote remarks at the APEC CEO lunch. Trump is scheduled to return to Washington Thursday.
Meanwhile, North Korea has upped its aggression in recent days, firing off multiple short-range ballistic missiles Wednesday, the first one Pyongyang has launched since May. Meanwhile, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un showed off a new intercontinental ballistic missile at a military parade in front of Chinese, Russian and other top officials on October 10.
‘We are aware of the DPRK’s multiple ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners,’ U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said in a statement on Wednesday. ‘The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and stabilizing acts,’ INDOPACOM said. ‘While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation.’