Trump to jet off to Asia as North Korea fires ballistic missiles and China trade questions loom
President Donald Trump is embarking on a significant trip to Asia, coinciding with rising tensions in the region, particularly following North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launches. This marks the first such missile test in months, raising concerns among U.S. officials and prompting a stern response from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which condemned North Korea’s actions and emphasized ongoing consultations with allies South Korea and Japan. The backdrop of this trip is further complicated by trade disputes with China, particularly after Beijing announced export controls on rare-earth magnets, crucial for various high-tech products, including electric vehicles and military aircraft. In retaliation, Trump has proposed a sweeping 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, set to take effect on November 1, amplifying the stakes ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The anticipated meeting between Trump and Xi will be their first in-person encounter since Trump took office, and it comes at a critical juncture for U.S.-China relations. Despite the escalating trade tensions, Trump has expressed optimism about the outcome of the summit, suggesting that both nations will leave with satisfactory agreements. His remarks reflect a desire to maintain a cooperative tone, as he has previously lauded his relationship with Xi in the face of mounting economic friction. Following the APEC Summit, Trump’s itinerary includes meetings with leaders from Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Japan, where he will engage with newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold that position. This trip underscores the complexity of geopolitical dynamics in Asia, as Trump navigates both diplomatic relationships and security challenges posed by North Korea’s provocative actions.
As Trump prepares to address these multifaceted issues, the international community is closely watching how his negotiations will unfold. The juxtaposition of trade discussions with the looming threat from North Korea illustrates the intricate web of relationships and tensions in the region. With Trump set to return to Washington after a week of high-stakes diplomacy, the outcomes of these meetings could have lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy in Asia, particularly in terms of trade relations and security alliances amidst North Korea’s aggressive posturing.
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President
Donald Trump
is heading off to Asia Friday evening, not long after North Korea fired off a ballistic missile for the first time in months and as questions loom regarding trade negotiations with China.
The White House confirmed that Trump will meet with Chinese President
Xi Jinping
Thursday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The meeting comes amid escalated tensions between the two countries on trade after Beijing announced Oct. 9 it would impose export controls on rare-earth magnets, which are used in a host of products ranging from electric cars to F-35 fighter jets. In response, Trump announced the U.S. would impose a new 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, which is slated to take effect Nov. 1.
Even so, Trump sought to diffuse tensions and has routinely touted his relationship with Xi in recent weeks. Additionally, he has voiced confidence both parties will walk away from the summit pleased and that a deal will be made.
TRUMP THREATENS ‘MASSIVE’ CHINA TARIFFS, SEES ‘NO REASON’ TO MEET WITH XI
“I think we are going to come out very well, and everyone’s going to be very happy,” Trump said Thursday.
The summit between Trump and Xi will mark the first time they’ve met in person since Trump took office in January. The two previously met in person in June 2019 in Japan.
Trump’s meeting with Xi will come on the tail end of a larger trip to the region. Trump is first headed to Malaysia to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Sunday afternoon before participating in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) dinner
in the evening.
NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES BALLISTIC MISSILES DAYS BEFORE TRUMP’S VISIT TO THE PENINSULA
While in Malaysia, he will also meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Trump will then head to Tokyo Monday and is slated to meet on Tuesday with
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
, who was just elected earlier in October. Takaichi is the first woman to serve as the prime minister of Japan.
Trump will then close out his trip heading to South Korea, where he will meet with the South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and will deliver keynote remarks at the APEC CEO lunch.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES MEETING WITH XI JINPING AT SOUTH KOREA APEC SUMMIT SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONTH
Trump is scheduled to
return to Washington
Thursday.
Meanwhile, North Korea has upped its aggression in recent days, firing off multiple short-range ballistic missiles Wednesday, the first one Pyongyang has launched since May. Meanwhile, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un showed off a new intercontinental ballistic missile at a military parade in front of Chinese, Russian and other top officials Oct. 10.
“We are aware of the DPRK’s multiple ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners,” U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts,” INDOPACOM said. “While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
