US President Donald Trump arrived in Japan on Monday, continuing his multi-nation Asia tour that has revived hopes for a breakthrough in trade relations with China.
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route from Malaysia, Trump told reporters he was confident about reaching a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they meet later in the week.
“I have a lot of respect for President Xi and we are going to, I think, come away with a deal,” Trump said, adding that he might extend his trip to accommodate a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The presidential aircraft touched down at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at sunset, where a small crowd gathered to take photos.
Trump, wearing his trademark golden tie, was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He later proceeded by helicopter to central Tokyo for an audience with Japan’s Emperor.
On Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, and deliver a speech aboard the USS George Washington, docked at the US naval base in Yokosuka.
He praised Takaichi as “a great ally and friend” of the late Shinzo Abe, noting that her leadership “will strengthen Japan–US relations.”
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Trump’s visit follows a flurry of trade agreements signed in Malaysia on Sunday, including new deals with Cambodia and Thailand, and a minerals pact with Malaysia.
The US leader also reportedly held conciliatory discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
However, all eyes are on his upcoming Thursday meeting with Xi in South Korea, their first since Trump’s return to office.
Treasury Secretary Bessent confirmed that negotiators had reached “a framework for President Trump and President Xi to decide,” while China’s vice commerce minister said a “preliminary consensus” had been achieved.
Market analysts say a successful deal could ease global tensions and strengthen trade flows between the world’s two largest economies.
In addition to trade talks, Trump is expected to discuss regional security and defense spending with Japanese officials.
Washington continues to press Tokyo to increase its defense budget beyond the two percent of GDP announced by Prime Minister Takaichi.
Trump’s itinerary also includes meetings in South Korea’s Busan, where he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and potentially meet Kim Jong Un. Asked if he would extend his trip to make that happen, Trump replied: “I would do that, sure.”
