U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Japan on Monday, continuing his Asia tour that could mark the end of the long-running U.S.–China trade war.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they meet on Thursday. He also hinted at the possibility of extending his trip to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“I have great respect for President Xi, and I believe we’ll come away with a deal,” Trump told reporters en route from Malaysia, where renewed talks between U.S. and Chinese officials sparked hopes of an agreement.
Crowds gathered at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to catch a glimpse of the U.S. leader as Air Force One, carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, touched down at sunset. Wearing a gold tie, Trump later boarded a helicopter headed for central Tokyo, where he was scheduled to meet Japan’s emperor that evening.
On Tuesday, Trump is expected to meet Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and deliver a speech aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, docked at the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka.
“I’ve heard wonderful things about Prime Minister Takaichi,” Trump said, praising her ties with the late former premier Shinzo Abe. “She’s going to be great for Japan and for us.”
Trump’s trip — his first to Asia since returning to the White House — began in Malaysia on Sunday, where he sealed several trade and partnership deals. These included trade agreements with Cambodia and Thailand following a regional ceasefire pact, as well as a new minerals deal with Malaysia. He also took steps to repair relations with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
However, all eyes are on Thursday’s planned meeting with Xi in South Korea, where both leaders are expected to finalize a trade framework. “It’s going to be great for China and great for us,” Trump said confidently in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, Japan’s defense and trade relations with the U.S. are also under the spotlight. Prime Minister Takaichi recently announced plans to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP, though Washington is reportedly pushing Tokyo to match NATO’s 5% target.
Trump has also urged Japan to increase imports of American goods such as rice, soybeans, cars, and Ford F-150 pickup trucks, while ensuring its pledged $550 billion U.S. investment moves forward.
“Since he’s a man of action, I believe positive changes could come for Japan,” said Tokyo resident Sayaka Kamimoto.
Trump will continue to South Korea’s Busan on Wednesday for talks with President Lee Jae Myung ahead of the APEC summit. There, speculation is growing that he might meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un — their first encounter since 2019 at the Demilitarized Zone.
“I’d love to meet him again if he’s willing,” Trump said when asked about the possibility. “I liked Kim Jong Un — we got along well. If I had the chance, yes, I’d meet him.”
AFP