President Donald Trump embarked on his first trip to Asia during his current term, aiming to advance key investment deals and peace initiatives, while seeking to ease tensions in the ongoing trade war with China. The trip, which began late October 2025, marks a significant diplomatic effort as Trump prepares for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
As Trump departed the White House on Friday night, he expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions with President Xi, stating, “We have a lot to talk about with President Xi, and he has a lot to talk about with us. I think we'll have a good meeting.” This meeting is highly anticipated as it follows months of escalating trade disputes that have unsettled the global economy. A spokesperson from the U.S. Treasury confirmed that trade talks between the U.S. and China resumed early Sunday morning in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, coinciding with the president’s arrival.
The trip’s itinerary includes stops in three countries: Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. Trump arrived in Malaysia on Sunday morning after a long-haul flight aboard Air Force One. During the flight, he told reporters that a key topic on the agenda with President Xi will be China’s purchases of Russian oil. The United States has imposed sanctions on Moscow’s two largest oil companies, prompting China to significantly reduce its future oil imports from Russia. According to a Reuters report from the previous week, Chinese national oil companies have agreed to temporarily refrain from buying Russian oil, a move Trump highlighted as part of their discussions.
When asked about his goals for the meeting with China, Trump stated, “I think a complete deal.” He emphasized the importance of protecting American farmers and noted that both sides have interests to address. Additionally, he mentioned plans to discuss the fentanyl crisis, underscoring hopes for a “very comprehensive deal” that could encompass multiple issues beyond trade.
Before reaching Malaysia, Trump made a brief stop in Qatar on Saturday for refueling, where he met with the country’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani aboard Air Force One. Trump praised Qatar’s role in brokering peace in the Middle East, specifically highlighting their intermediary efforts in the recent Israel-Hamas peace deal. He called Qatar a “great ally” and thanked the leaders for their contributions to regional stability.
This diplomatic journey takes place against a backdrop of significant domestic challenges in the United States. The government shutdown has extended, causing many federal workers to face missing their first full paycheck this week. The shutdown has also led to flight disruptions due to air traffic controllers working without pay, and there is growing concern about the potential drying up of federal food aid to states. Despite these pressing issues, Trump appears to be maintaining a steady, business-as-usual approach, proceeding with his foreign trip amid criticism from some Democratic leaders. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York notably remarked, “America is shut down and the President is skipping town,” highlighting political tensions at home.
In Malaysia, Trump’s first official engagement is the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur. During his first term, Trump attended this summit only once, but this year’s meeting assumes greater importance as the U.S. and Malaysia work together to resolve a recent border skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia. On Sunday, Trump was scheduled to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, followed by a joint signing ceremony with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia to formalize a peace agreement.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday to announce that he would sign the peace deal, which he described as “great” and one he “proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand.” He also extended condolences to the people of Thailand following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit. Trump emphasized the urgency of the peace deal, noting that the signing would take place immediately upon his arrival to accommodate all parties. Earlier in the year, Trump had threatened to withhold trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia if they failed to cease hostilities, signaling a firm U.S. stance. His administration has since collaborated closely with Malaysia to secure an expanded ceasefire between the two nations.
Following Malaysia, Trump’s itinerary takes him to Japan and South Korea, where significant economic discussions are expected. He aims to advance talks surrounding at least $900 billion in investments pledged by these countries for American factories and other projects. These investments are part of a broader negotiation to