Trump Arrives in South Korea on Final Leg of Asia Tour

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in South Korea on the final leg of his Asia tour, where he is scheduled to meet President Lee Jae-myung to discuss trade and regional cooperation.

Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow — a meeting that has already generated optimism in global markets. His arrival in Gyeongju from Tokyo came just hours after North Korea conducted a test of a nuclear-capable cruise missile.

Downplaying the missile test, Trump said his focus remained on the upcoming talks with China. “Our relations with China are excellent,” he said. “I believe this meeting will benefit not only the United States but the entire world.”

Trump hinted that Washington may consider reducing tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing agrees to curb exports of fentanyl-related chemicals.

Read more: Trump says he will not run for US vice president in 2028.

Upon his arrival in the South Korean city of Busan, Trump received a warm welcome, complete with a military band playing his favorite song, “YMCA.” He later flew by helicopter to Gyeongju for further meetings.

However, tensions persist over a $350 billion investment deal signed in July. Washington is urging Seoul to increase its defense spending, while South Korea seeks relaxation of U.S. immigration rules to address labor shortages in its manufacturing sector.

Trump also said he was unsure whether he would discuss the Taiwan issue with Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s foreign minister expressed confidence that the U.S. would not “abandon” the island.

Earlier on his trip, Trump visited Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan, announcing new trade initiatives and regional peace plans.