President Donald Trump opened his Asia swing in Malaysia with what critics hate most: signatures and results. He co-signed the Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire he helped broker after the deadliest clashes in decades—calling it a “monumental step”—then rewarded both neighbors with trade agreements: a major deal with Cambodia and a critical minerals agreement with Thailand. Not a bad warm-up before the main event.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Trump said he’s confident about a “great” deal when he meets China’s Xi Jinping later this week in South Korea, aiming to end the bruising trade war. With U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng wrapping two days of talks, Trump put it plainly: “I think we’re going to make a deal. It’s going to be great for China, great for us.” Even China’s vice minister of commerce Li Chenggang said a “preliminary consensus” was reached—good news when 100% tariffs are looming on November 1.
Before wheels-down diplomacy, Trump hinted he’s open to meeting North Korea’s Kim Jong Un while on the peninsula—his first since 2019—because peace doesn’t happen by waiting for think-tank white papers.
The Malaysia stop—Trump’s first visit as president—came with the full red-carpet: two Malaysian F-18s escorting “The Beast” to a flag-filled welcome and cultural performance. Trump answered with his trademark arm-waving dance. (Diplomacy with a smile—trigger warning for the perpetually humorless.) He also inked trade and minerals deals with Malaysia, then met Qatar’s leaders—guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire he spearheaded—during a refueling stop, and sat down with Brazil’s President Lula to improve ties. “I think we’ll be able to do some pretty good deals,” Trump said. Translation: more wins incoming.
Next up: Japan, where Trump will meet new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who’s prioritized stronger U.S. ties. Japan, notably, has avoided the worst of the global tariff reset as Trump pushes to fix “unfair trade balances” that have been ripping off the United States. Amazing what happens when allies act like—well—allies.
The trip’s highlight is South Korea, with Trump due in Busan ahead of the APEC summit and meetings with President Lee Jae Myung—plus the headline encounter with Xi. Markets will be watching to see if the leaders can halt the trade war, especially after friction over rare-earth curbs. And yes, Seoul thinks there’s a “considerable” chance of a Trump–Kim meeting, if Pyongyang can step out from behind its nuclear talking points.
Bottom line: Ceasefire signed. Trade deals rolling. Momentum building. Call it peace through strength, or just call it what it is—American leadership delivering. And the week’s just getting started.
