Trade Talks and Diplomatic Negotiations: Trump's Asia Tour

U.S. President Donald Trump launched the concluding phase of his Asia tour in South Korea, displaying optimism about solving a lingering tariff issue with President Lee Jae Myung and negotiating a trade truce with China's Xi Jinping. Trump arrived from Tokyo just as North Korea tested a nuclear-capable cruise missile, receiving a grand welcome from Lee in the historic city of Gyeongju, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum is being held.

Trump's scheduled discussions with Xi in Busan aim to address the U.S.-China trade conflict. Onboard Air Force One to South Korea, Trump downplayed the North Korean missile situation, emphasizing his aim for a promising outcome from this crucial meeting with the world's second-largest economy leader.

Trump and Xi aim to slash U.S. tariffs on Chinese products by half, contingent upon China agreeing to control exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The anticipated trade arrangements are expected to invigorate U.S.-China relations, though South Korea-US negotiations remain complex, involving a South Korean commitment to a U.S. investment routed through military and defense spending.