WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump arrived in Japan on Monday to a royal reception, marking another stage in his five-day Asia tour focused on securing a trade agreement with China.
This trip, the longest overseas journey of his presidency so far, saw Trump arrive in Tokyo after earlier visiting Malaysia, where he revealed deals with four Southeast Asian nations. He is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this week.
On Sunday, negotiators from the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies, reached a preliminary framework for halting the escalation of American tariffs and Chinese export restrictions on rare earth materials, according to US officials. The announcement boosted Asian markets to record highs.
Speaking aboard Air Force One before landing in Tokyo, Trump expressed optimism about the anticipated discussions with Xi. “I respect President Xi tremendously and believe we’re headed toward an agreement,” he stated.
Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who made history last week as the nation’s first female leader, is expected to unveil new trade and investment proposals aimed at strengthening ties with Washington.
Sources indicate that Japan plans to introduce a $550 billion investment initiative in exchange for relief from US import tariffs. Takaichi is also set to announce purchases of American goods such as pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas, along with a shipbuilding agreement.
The main diplomatic event is scheduled for Tuesday at Akasaka Palace, where Trump will receive a military honor guard before commencing formal talks with Takaichi. The discussions are expected to include security matters, as Takaichi signaled her government’s intent for a significant military expansion.
Trump is scheduled to depart Japan on Wednesday for Gyeongju, South Korea, where he will engage in discussions with President Lee Jae Myung before later meeting Xi Jinping.
