Trump’s week in Asia: BBC correspondents on the wins and potential losses

US President Donald Trump has embarked on a pivotal diplomatic tour across Asia, with a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at its core. The visit, spanning Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, is set against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Trump’s agenda is dominated by trade negotiations, with a focus on securing favorable deals for American businesses while addressing the unsustainable nature of tariffs on Chinese imports. The meeting with Xi, their first since 2019, could redefine US-China relations for the remainder of Trump’s second term. Analysts suggest that Xi, leveraging China’s control over rare earth materials and its reduced dependence on US exports, may adopt a tougher stance. Meanwhile, Trump aims to revive American agricultural exports to China and avoid a full-blown trade war. The tour also includes discussions with Japan and South Korea, where Trump seeks to finalize tariff agreements and secure investments. In Malaysia, Trump’s presence at the ASEAN summit is expected to normalize US relations with the region, which has been heavily impacted by his trade policies. The visit underscores the delicate balance between economic rivalry and diplomatic cooperation in a rapidly shifting global order.