US President Donald Trump has embarked on his first Asia trip since returning to the White House, arriving in Malaysia on Sunday for the opening leg of a five-day visit that includes Japan and South Korea. His visit coincides with tense trade negotiations between top US and Chinese officials in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. The talks aim to lay the groundwork for a high-stakes meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming APEC summit in Busan, South Korea.
Washington and Beijing are seeking to ease escalating economic tensions after Trump threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, while China tightened export controls on key rare earth materials. The leaders are expected to address not only trade but also sensitive issues such as Taiwan and China’s ties with Russia. Trump is also expected to press for the release of jailed Hong Kong media figure Jimmy Lai.
In Kuala Lumpur, Trump will meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia after months of border clashes. The potential deal, mediated by Malaysia, could mark a significant diplomatic success for the region.
This year’s ASEAN summit brings together several global leaders, including Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa. Trump’s presence marks his second ASEAN appearance, after years of avoiding multilateral forums.
Thousands of protesters in Seoul have already gathered to condemn Trump’s trade policies ahead of his arrival in South Korea. The trip is expected to test his administration’s ability to balance economic confrontation with diplomatic outreach in a region deeply affected by his tariff-driven approach.
