Trump Plans Japan Visit October Amid Asia-Pacific Trade Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Japan later in October before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed. Prior to the APEC summit starting October 31, Trump will also attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia from October 26 to 28, where he will witness the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. During the APEC summit, Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping despite recent trade tensions, including China's rare earth export restrictions and Trump's threat to impose additional tariffs. The trip underscores ongoing trade negotiations and efforts to ease tensions between the U.S. and China amidst a tariff war. Additionally, Trump's visit to Japan may include meetings with Japanese leadership and a visit to a U.S. naval base, although political uncertainties remain due to Japan's ruling coalition's recent collapse. The U.S. plans to finalize trade deals with South Korea and advance agreements with India, Canada, and Mexico around the same timeframe.