Trump's visit to Japan sets stage for pivotal talks with Xi
Donald Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday evening, commencing a high-stakes diplomatic mission that will culminate in his first face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping since resuming office. The visit comes at a critical juncture in U.S.-China relations as both nations strive to de-escalate a burgeoning trade war.
Trump's arrival follows a stop in Malaysia, where he attended the ASEAN Summit and announced preliminary trade agreements with China. These deals aim to avert the imposition of 100% punitive tariffs on Chinese goods. “I’m leaving Malaysia a fantastic, dynamic country after finalizing major trade and rare earth agreements,” Trump posted on Truth Social before departing.
Japan's new leadership to discuss key defense and trade commitments
On Monday evening, Trump is set to meet Emperor Naruhito, followed by crucial discussions with Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Tuesday. Takaichi, who took office just six days ago, will address Japan's defense spending commitments and a $550 billion investment plan in the United States.
Takaichi, a close ally of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has already made a positive impression on Trump during preliminary talks. “She’s wonderful… we’ll meet her very soon. She’s very friendly,” Trump said, highlighting her ties to Abe, whom he described as “one of my favorites.”
The Japanese leader is expected to accelerate defense spending to 2% of GDP by March 2026—two years ahead of schedule. Additionally, she is likely to promise significant purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas. Japan, home to the largest overseas concentration of U.S. forces, has faced pressure from Trump to increase its defense contributions amid rising tensions with China.
U.S.-China trade framework emerges ahead of Xi summit
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Sunday that U.S. and Chinese negotiators had reached a “highly successful framework” during talks in Kuala Lumpur. The preliminary agreement extends existing tariff truces beyond their November 10 deadline and delays China’s controversial rare earth export restrictions by one year.
China’s chief trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, described the discussions as achieving a “preliminary consensus,” though Chinese officials were cautious about revealing further details. The framework addresses key sticking points, including cooperation on fentanyl, agricultural purchases, and China’s export controls on rare earth minerals critical to advanced manufacturing.
Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet Thursday morning in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. This marks their first in-person interaction since Trump returned to office, offering a crucial opportunity to stabilize global markets rattled by the ongoing trade dispute.
