Trump Signs US-Malaysia Mineral Pact to Counter China Amid Asia Tour

President Donald Trump is on a strategic five-day trip to Asia, focusing on signing trade and critical minerals agreements with countries like Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea to strengthen U.S.-Asia economic ties and increase pressure on China ahead of a key meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Central to his agenda are efforts to diversify supply chains and secure rare earth minerals, essential for technology, defense, and renewable energy sectors, as China has tightened export controls amid ongoing trade tensions. Trump has already signed a landmark $8.5 billion minerals pact with Australia and is negotiating deals with Malaysia, where tariff reductions and semiconductor market protections are also key concerns. The trip includes broader diplomatic efforts such as pursuing a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia and negotiating trade terms, including tariffs on Chinese imports and purchases of American goods like soybeans and Boeing aircraft. U.S. officials emphasize the goal of unlocking regional resources to foster investment and develop sustainable supply chains that reduce reliance on China’s near-monopoly in critical minerals. The trip will culminate in a high-stakes meeting between Trump and Xi, with discussions expected to cover trade, rare earth access, and geopolitical issues including Taiwan and Russia.