WASHINGTON, 20 October 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to visit Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea later this month, marking his first trip to Asia since beginning his second term in January.
Speaking at the White House following a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump told reporters he expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea next week.
“We’re going to have a fair deal. I want to be good to China. I love my relationship with President Xi,” Trump said, striking an optimistic tone despite renewed trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
“We thought that would be a good place to meet, and we’re going to be meeting. I’ll be in Malaysia, I’ll be in Japan,” he added.
Visit Timed with ASEAN and APEC Summits
Trump’s comments mark the first time he has publicly confirmed plans to visit Malaysia and Japan. According to Japan’s Kyodo News Agency, Japanese government sources said Trump is expected to make a three-day visit to Japan from October 27, after first traveling to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit.
As ASEAN chair, Malaysia will host the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26–28, with invitations extended to several world leaders including Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Following his visit to Japan, Trump is scheduled to travel to South Korea for the APEC Summit, which will be held in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, the same sources said.
Diplomatic Context
Trump’s planned Asia tour comes amid renewed discussions over trade and economic cooperation between the United States and key regional partners. His expected meeting with Xi Jinping will be closely watched as both nations navigate tariff disputes and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
The visits to Malaysia and Japan also highlight Washington’s renewed engagement with ASEAN and East Asian allies, signaling a push to strengthen multilateral ties in the region.
