United States President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that he will soon embark on a diplomatic tour of Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, reaffirming his intent to maintain strong relations in the Asia-Pacific region while keeping the door open for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Kyodo News.
Speaking at the White House alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump struck a notably optimistic tone about the U.S.–China relationship, even amid ongoing trade tensions.
“We’re going to have a fair deal. I want to be good to China. I love my relationship with President Xi,” Trump said during an extended exchange with reporters.
He added, “We thought that would be a good place to meet, and we’re going to be meeting. I’ll be in Malaysia, I’ll be in Japan.”
The remarks signal that Trump could hold one-on-one talks with President Xi when both leaders attend the Asia-Pacific economic summit in South Korea later this month.
This marks the first time Trump has publicly mentioned plans to visit Malaysia and Japan. Sources within the Japanese government indicated that the U.S. president is expected to make a three-day visit to Japan from October 27, following his stop in Malaysia for a regional conference involving Southeast Asian nations and their partners. His final leg will take him to South Korea.
This upcoming Asia trip will be Trump’s first official visit to the region since beginning his nonconsecutive second term in January.
As the world watches closely, Trump’s remarks and travels could shape the tone of future U.S.-Asia relations, especially as global markets and diplomatic alliances hang in delicate balance. The visit to Malaysia, in particular, underscores the country’s growing strategic importance in regional diplomacy — a move that signals renewed engagement between Washington and Southeast Asia.
In a time when every handshake carries political weight, these visits may redefine alliances, strengthen trade ties, and shape the global economic narrative in the months to come.
