KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: US President Donald Trump kicked off his high-profile Asia tour on Sunday, beginning with a significant stop in Malaysia ahead of his much-anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump was received by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where he participated in a ceremonial welcome before attending the ASEAN Summit. The visit marks the start of a diplomatic journey aimed at reshaping regional alliances, with key discussions expected on trade, economic cooperation, and regional security.
The Asia tour, which includes visits to Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, will culminate in a meeting with President Xi in Busan on October 30. Observers suggest the encounter could be a turning point in US-China relations, with both sides expected to discuss tariff disputes, rare-earth supply chains, and global trade realignments.
Analysts believe Trump’s approach during this tour will signal Washington’s broader strategy in Asia — balancing assertive economic policy with attempts to reaffirm its strategic influence in the region. For Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, the visit underscores their growing importance as key players in regional stability amid intensifying global power rivalries.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.