The outcomes could influence U.S.-China relations and regional economic stability. (Image: File)
U.S. President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next Thursday during a visit to Asia, the White House confirmed on Thursday. This meeting comes amid heightened trade tensions between the two countries, which had raised questions about whether the talks would go ahead. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump departs for Malaysia late Friday night before heading to Japan and South Korea.
Trump’s Asia tour coincides with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, where he will deliver keynote remarks. Before meeting Xi in South Korea, Trump will meet leaders from Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. “On Thursday morning local time, President Trump will participate in a bilateral meeting with President Xi of the People's Republic of China, before departing to return home,” Leavitt added.
Sunday: Trump meets Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attends a working dinner of ASEAN leaders.
Monday-Tuesday: He flies to Tokyo and meets Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Wednesday-Thursday: In South Korea, Trump meets President Lee Jae Myung, addresses CEOs, attends U.S.-APEC leaders’ working dinner, and then meets Xi.
A U.S.-China trade war, simmering for months, intensified in early October after China expanded curbs on rare-earth mineral exports. Trump initially threatened retaliatory tariffs but has expressed optimism about a trade deal. “I think we're going to come out very well, and everyone's going to be very happy,” Trump said regarding the talks.
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Trump revealed that his first question to Xi will focus on fentanyl, a powerful opioid contributing to thousands of U.S. overdose deaths. Washington accuses Beijing of not controlling precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, while China claims the U.S. is using the issue as leverage. “The first question I'm going to be asking him about is fentanyl. I'm putting it right at the front of the list,” Trump said.
Trump’s top trade negotiator and finance chief are also headed to Asia to support the meeting with Xi. Their presence signals the importance of maintaining momentum toward a trade deal during Trump’s first meeting with Xi of his second term.
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As both countries balance trade, security, and public health issues, the impending meeting represents a critical point in their bilateral relationship. Trump's focus on fentanyl, according to observers, is a strategic goal that reflects mounting public pressure to address the opioid issue while negotiating intricate trade agreements.
