US President Trump To Visit Japan Amid Political Turmoil and China Trade Tensions

US President Donald Trump plans a pivotal Asia tour later this month. It starts with Japan, followed by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed this during a recent event in Washington. The Japan visit lacks exact dates but precedes the summit, set for October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju. Trump will also attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26-28. There, he will witness a peace accord signing between Thailand and Cambodia, addressing deadly border clashes.

This itinerary arrives during Japan's political upheaval. Sanae Takaichi, elected Liberal Democratic Party leader on October 4, 2025, eyes becoming Japan's first female prime minister. However, the ruling coalition crumbled on October 10 after Komeito withdrew, leaving the Liberal Democratic Party with a 37-seat parliamentary shortfall. The confirmation vote, originally slated for mid-October, now faces delays. Opposition parties may unite against her, complicating her reflationary agenda and yen stabilization efforts. Trump is expected to meet Takaichi's successor during his potential October 27-29 visit, possibly including a tour of a US aircraft carrier at Yokosuka base.

Trade tensions with China dominate the backdrop. Beijing's recent rare earth export curbs—covering materials vital for semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense—prompted Trump to threaten 100% additional tariffs on Chinese goods from November 1, 2025. These controls expand prior restrictions, requiring licenses for even trace amounts, amid mutual grievances like US chip export bans. Earlier de-escalations reduced tariffs from triple digits, but this move erased trillions in US market value. China defends the curbs as legitimate, accusing the US of double standards.

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A Trump-Xi Jinping meeting remains planned at the summit, despite initial cancellation threats. Bessent expressed optimism for dialogue, potentially extending tariff pauses if Beijing eases restrictions. Analysts warn escalation could disrupt global supply chains, inflate costs, and hinder US automaker production. G7 ministers have raised unified concerns, with Europe considering joint measures.

The tour reinforces US alliances. In Japan, it advances security pacts; in South Korea, a trade deal; and in ASEAN, regional stability. Yet, fragile hosts and trade flashpoints test Trump's strategy. Success could yield bilateral breakthroughs; failure risks renewed economic decoupling and heightened Asia-Pacific frictions.

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