President Trump's Critical Asia Trip: High-Stakes Meeting with Xi Jinping Set for October 30 in South Korea

US President Donald Trump is set to embark on a significant Asian tour this week, with global attention focused on his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping that could have profound implications for the worldwide economy.

On Wednesday, Trump announced his plans for a "big trip" that will include visits to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, marking his first journey to the region since his return to the White House amid escalating tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

The centerpiece of this diplomatic journey will be his talks with Xi in South Korea, which Trump's spokeswoman has confirmed will take place on October 30 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Previously, Trump had threatened to cancel the meeting due to trade disputes between Washington and Beijing, but he expressed renewed optimism on Wednesday, stating he now hopes for a comprehensive "deal on everything."

Host nations are preparing elaborate welcomes to maintain favorable relations with the unpredictable 79-year-old president, aiming to secure beneficial arrangements on tariffs and security assistance.

Trump's first stop will be Malaysia, where he arrives on Sunday for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit—an event he frequently skipped during his first presidential term.

In Malaysia, he is expected to finalize a trade agreement and oversee the signing of a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia, furthering his pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted, "President Trump is keen to see the more positive results of the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia."

Officials have indicated that Trump may also meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the summit's sidelines to improve bilateral relations after months of tension.

From Malaysia, Trump will travel to Tokyo on Tuesday, where he will meet with Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday—the country's first female leader.

Japan has largely avoided the severe tariffs Trump has imposed globally in his campaign against what he describes as unfair trade practices "ripping off the United States."

The tour will culminate in South Korea, with Trump scheduled to arrive in Busan on Wednesday, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

His South Korean agenda includes meetings with President Lee Jae Myung, addressing an APEC business leaders' luncheon, and dining with US technology executives during the APEC summit in Gyeongju.

The highly anticipated meeting with Xi Jinping is set for the following day, representing their first encounter since Trump's return to office.

Global markets will be closely monitoring whether the two leaders can resolve trade conflicts between the world's largest economies, particularly following recent tensions over China's restrictions on rare earth exports.

Despite initially threatening to cancel the meeting and imposing new tariffs, Trump later reversed course. On Wednesday, he expressed hope for comprehensive agreements with Xi and suggested the Chinese leader might help influence Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine conflict.

Analysts caution against expectations of major breakthroughs. Ryan Hass of the Brookings Institution observed, "The meeting will be a data point along an existing continuum rather than an inflection point in the relationship."

South Korea, pursuing its own trade agreement with the US, is reportedly considering awarding Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa—the nation's highest honor—during his visit.

North Korea will also feature prominently in discussions, especially after its recent launch of multiple ballistic missiles just days before Trump's arrival.

South Korean officials have suspended tours in certain areas of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, fueling speculation about a potential meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

While Trump has expressed interest in meeting Kim again following their previous encounters during his first administration, there has been no confirmation of reports suggesting the White House was arranging such a meeting during this trip.