President Donald Trump concluded a five-day tour of East Asia, including stops in Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and a final meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip involved a series of diplomatic engagements, trade negotiations, and ceremonial events across the participating nations. Discussions included trade tariffs, access to critical minerals, and regional security agreements.
Early Tour Stops: Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea
The initial four days of the tour featured a combination of trade negotiations and diplomatic gestures from host nations.
Malaysia
During his visit to Malaysia, President Trump secured access to critical minerals and advanced trade arrangements with several Southeast Asian nations. He also oversaw the signing of a treaty aimed at reducing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
Japan
In Japan, President Trump was met with several diplomatic gestures. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, flew past Tokyo Tower, which was lit in red, white, and blue, topped with gold. Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi outlined $550 billion in planned Japanese investments in the United States and presented President Trump with 250 cherry trees for America's 250th birthday. She also gifted a golf club and bag that belonged to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Additionally, Prime Minister Takaichi nominated President Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
South Korea
South Korea's welcome for President Trump included a 21-gun salute by artillery and a military band that performed both "Hail to the Chief" and "YMCA." President Lee Jae Myung hosted an "honour ceremony," during which he presented the U.S. leader with the nation's highest medal and a replica of an ancient Korean dynastic crown. A lunch with President Lee featured a "Peacemaker's Dessert" of gold-encrusted brownies. Later, at an intimate dinner attended by six world leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, vineyard wine was served in President Trump's honor.
During his visit to South Korea, President Trump sought $200 billion in payments, amounting to $20 billion annually, from South Korea to the U.S. These funds were designated for investment under the direction of the U.S. government. An agreement on the terms of these payments contributed to a reduction in the tariff rate on South Korean exports to the U.S., from 25% to 15%.
Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping
The final segment of President Trump's Asia tour involved a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting, which took place in a military building near Busan's international airport, lacked the extensive ceremonial aspects observed in earlier stops, such as military bands or honor guards. The two leaders and their top aides conducted negotiations across a long white table.
Ahead of the meeting, President Trump stated, "I know a little bit about what's going on because we have been talking to them. I'm not just walking into a meeting cold." For months leading up to this discussion, the U.S. had threatened increased tariffs on Chinese exports, citing revenue generation for the U.S. treasury and pressure on China to open its markets and control the export of chemicals used in fentanyl production. China had responded by suspending purchases of U.S. agricultural products and proposing export controls on its critical mineral supplies.
Following the meeting, President Trump described it as "amazing," rating it a 12 out of 10. The discussions led to an agreement between both sides to de-escalate trade tensions. The U.S. reduced its tariffs, while China committed to easing access to critical minerals, resuming imports of U.S. agricultural products, and increasing purchases of U.S. oil and gas.