 "US President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, in West Palm Beach, Florida, US, October 17, 2025. File Image/Reuters")
US President Donald Trump said on Friday (October 24) he wants China’s help in managing Washington’s tense relations with Moscow, as he embarked on a five-day trip to Asia — his first to the region and the longest since taking office.
“I’d like China to help us out with Russia,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I’d like to see China help us out.”
His visit will include stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, where he’s expected to push for new trade, investment, and ceasefire deals before a possible meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping — the key test of his diplomacy.
The trip comes amid rising trade tensions, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Trump’s effort to preserve the fragile Israel-Gaza ceasefire. Washington and Beijing remain locked in disputes over tariffs, critical minerals, and technology exports, with both sides signaling little chance of a major breakthrough.
Officials say talks could lead to modest compromises — such as limited tariff relief, Chinese commitments to buy US goods, or relaxed export curbs. But it’s also possible that “nothing materializes,” a US official said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the possible Trump–Xi encounter as a “pull-aside,” suggesting an informal exchange.
Trump is also expected to attend the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, meet Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and hold talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Busan.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsBefore departure, Trump said he planned to raise issues including Taiwan and the imprisonment of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai. “It’s on my list. I’m going to ask … We’ll see what happens,” he told reporters.