U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Japan on Monday, continuing his Asia tour focused on ending the trade tensions with China and strengthening regional alliances.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was “very optimistic” about finalising a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they meet later this week in South Korea.
He claimed both sides had already reached a “preliminary consensus” to avoid the planned 100% tariffs and to secure new export guarantees for American soybeans and rare earth minerals.
Trump is expected to meet Emperor Naruhito and Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, whose government recently pledged to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP—mirroring NATO standards.
Takaichi described the U.S.-Japan alliance as “the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
Trade and Defence Take Centre Stage
Despite warm diplomatic language, trade remains the toughest issue. Washington continues to press Tokyo to increase imports of American goods—especially cars, rice, and industrial machinery—while also urging Japan to contribute more financially to its own defence.
Trump’s visit could reset the tone of U.S.-Japan relations after years of friction over tariffs and security cost-sharing. But questions linger about how far both sides are willing to go to reach a sustainable deal.
The former president has also hinted that he may extend his trip to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, reviving speculation of another round of denuclearisation talks.
“We got along great,” Trump said, referring to their 2019 summit in Hanoi.
A Tour Laden with Diplomatic Ambition
Trump’s Asia trip follows high-level visits to Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, where he brokered trade and mineral cooperation agreements and helped secure ceasefire understandings between local governments and rebel groups.
Observers note that the tour reflects Trump’s ambition to reassert U.S. influence in Asia while countering China’s growing clout. But whether these gestures translate into lasting deals remains uncertain.
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