Former U.S. President Donald Trump received a grand welcome in Japan as optimism grew over a potential U.S.-China trade truce. The visit marks Trump’s longest overseas trip since returning to office and follows a series of trade and mineral agreements with four Southeast Asian nations during his stop in Malaysia.
According to U.S. officials, negotiators from Washington and Beijing have agreed on a framework to pause rising tariffs and Chinese export controls on rare earths. The development sent Asian markets soaring to record highs.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for President Xi, and I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” Trump told reporters before landing in Tokyo.
Trump Meets Japanese Emperor
After arriving in Japan, Trump met Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace, following a scenic helicopter tour of Tokyo. Tight security was in place, with thousands of officers deployed after a knife incident outside the U.S. embassy.
Japan has pledged a $550-billion investment in exchange for tariff relief from the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met Japanese counterpart Ryosei Akazawa to discuss future investments, including power grids.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female premier, plans to announce new trade agreements on shipbuilding and purchases of U.S. trucks, soybeans, and gas. She told Trump that strengthening Japan-U.S. ties remains her “top priority.”
Trade and Security on the Agenda
On Tuesday, Trump and Takaichi will hold formal talks at Akasaka Palace, where Japan is expected to reaffirm its commitment to defense spending amid rising tensions with China.
Japan hosts the largest U.S. military presence overseas, and Trump has urged Tokyo to spend more on defense. Takaichi aims to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP but faces political hurdles due to her coalition’s slim parliamentary majority.
Trump will leave Japan on Wednesday for South Korea to meet President Lee Jae Myung before heading to a key meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While no major breakthrough is expected, both sides hope to ease trade tensions and restore stability to global markets.
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