Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a significant diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Japan later this month, followed by South Korea, confirming Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday. While specific dates remain undisclosed, officials indicate that Trump's visit will take place just before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that kicks off on October 31.

Bessent mentioned during a Washington event, “The president will start with Japan and then proceed to Korea for the APEC gathering, where leaders are set to convene.”

Alongside APEC, Trump is anticipated to attend the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, where he will observe the ceremonial signing of a peace treaty between Thailand and Cambodia, stemming from their recent violent skirmishes.

This upcoming journey occurs amid escalating trade disputes, especially with China, which ranks as the second-largest economy globally. Earlier this year, the tariff confrontation between the US and China created disruptions in global supply chains, as both countries imposed hefty tariffs on each other's products. Despite a temporary lull in tensions, China has reintroduced limits on rare earth exports, leading Trump to threaten a sweeping 100 percent tariff on Chinese imports beginning November 1.

Nevertheless, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are still expected to converse during the APEC summit in South Korea. Although Trump had contemplated canceling the meeting due to China's export restrictions, Bessent reassured that discussions would continue as initially planned.

Moreover, Japan's current political instability adds another layer of complexity to Trump's visit. Sanae Takaichi’s aspiration to be Japan's first female prime minister faces obstacles after the ruling coalition’s recent disbandment. Analysts believe this backdrop may impact Trump's dialogues with Japanese officials during his trip.

Trump's travels to Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia demonstrate the United States’ commitment to bolstering diplomatic and economic connections in the Asia-Pacific while addressing ongoing trade and geopolitical issues.

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