Trump Embarks on Asian Tour, Aims for Key Meetings

President Donald Trump has left the U.S. for a visit to three Asian countries, where he’ll also meet with China’s President Xi Jinping. Trump boarded Air Force One on Friday night, and he’s expected to land in Malaysia on Sunday morning.

His first engagement is the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit taking place in Kuala Lumpur. It’s noteworthy that he attended this summit once before during his first term, and this year’s event coincides with ongoing discussions between Malaysia and the U.S. regarding tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

In Malaysia, he plans to meet with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, engaging in a joint signing ceremony with Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet. Earlier this year, Trump had hinted at potentially withholding trade deals until the two countries resolved their disputes.

“I told the leader of Malaysia, who is a very good man, I think I owe you a trip,” Trump mentioned to reporters on Air Force One, acknowledging Ibrahim’s role in fostering cooperation to halt the fighting.

Additionally, Trump may meet with Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday, who is reportedly interested in discussing the removal of a 40% tariff on imports from Brazil. This meeting could touch on Trump’s military actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels off the coast of South America.

While Silva has expressed interest in a meeting, the White House has not confirmed any arrangements.

Following Malaysia, Trump will head to Japan and South Korea, discussing substantial investments, approximately $900 billion, in U.S. factories and other initiatives. This investment comes with discussions around reducing tariffs from 25% to 15%.

In Japan, the newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who is associated with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is set to meet Trump. The latter has expressed anticipation about this meeting, noting Takaichi’s previous relationship with Abe as a positive indicator.

“I look forward to meeting her,” Trump stated about Takaichi.

Moreover, Trump will have an audience with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and interact with U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan. A significant meeting with President Xi is also anticipated, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.

“We have a lot to talk about with President Xi, and he has a lot to talk about with us,” Trump remarked as he left the White House.

This meeting aims to ease tensions in the ongoing trade dispute, particularly in light of recent Chinese export restrictions on rare earth materials crucial for military uses. Trump had recently expressed optimism about striking a favorable deal with Xi.

Additionally, discussions may arise regarding Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy advocate in solitary confinement for the past month, although no official meeting has been scheduled. There’s also speculation about a potential reunion with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, as discussions about a meeting in the Demilitarized Zone have emerged.

“They have a lot of nuclear weapons, but not a lot of telephone service,” Trump quipped regarding the challenges of setting up the visit.

Trump is expected to return to Washington by October 30th. He’s required to sign any legislation that could reopen the government, which has been shut down for 25 days as of now. However, he mentioned uncertainty about resolving the government funding crisis before his return.

“America is shut down and the President is skipping town,” remarked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, criticizing Trump’s travel amidst government struggles.

While en route to Malaysia, Trump indicated that he would be open to meeting with Democratic leaders regarding the shutdown, suggesting that talks could have commenced earlier if arrangements had been made.

“I said come on over, just put the government back. All they have to do is say yes, then it’s over. And then we go into negotiations,” he explained.