President Donald Trump is set to embark on a week-long trip to Asia, starting Friday, with a primary focus on trade discussions with key leaders, particularly Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip aims to address ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which have escalated into a trade war over the past months. Trump will meet with Xi in South Korea on Thursday, the final day of his visit, to negotiate a potential trade deal.

This summer, U.S.-China relations showed signs of improvement as tariffs were reduced and trade talks progressed. However, recent announcements from China regarding tightened export controls have reignited tensions. Trump's economic advisors have labeled these controls as "economic coercion" and "extortion." In response, Trump has threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports, effective November 1, if negotiations do not yield results. Despite these challenges, Trump expressed optimism, stating he expects to reach a favorable agreement with Xi.

In addition to his meeting with Xi, Trump will engage with several other Asian leaders during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur. Following Malaysia, Trump will travel to Japan to meet with the newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first female leader of Japan. Although a trade deal between the U.S. and Japan has already been established, the two leaders will emphasize their ongoing partnership.

Trump's itinerary includes a visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, where he will meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. He is expected to deliver keynote remarks at the APEC CEO luncheon and participate in a working dinner. This visit comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and South Korea, following the arrest and deportation of over 400 South Korean workers at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, which has raised concerns about the ability of companies to bring workers into the U.S.

The trip also coincides with Trump's recent sanctions against Russian oil companies, as he continues to urge allies to reduce their purchases of Russian crude. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that these sanctions are already affecting contracts with China and India.

As Trump prepares for this significant diplomatic engagement, he faces challenges at home, including a prolonged government shutdown. The shutdown has entered its third week, with federal employees set to miss their first paycheck. Trump has criticized Democrats for their role in the impasse, stating, "This is all the Democrats. They really should approve an extension, get the country back to work, get the people paid."

While trade discussions will dominate Trump's agenda in Asia, he will also address broader geopolitical issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East. Trump plans to raise concerns about China's purchases of Russian oil during his meeting with Xi, highlighting the interconnected nature of these global issues.

Overall, Trump's trip to Asia marks his first major international engagement during his second term, as he seeks to navigate complex trade relationships and geopolitical challenges while managing domestic pressures.