Trump’s second leg of Asia tour begins in Japan after key deals in Malaysia

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday for the second leg of his Asia tour, following a landmark visit to Malaysia where he signed major trade and rare earth agreements and witnessed the signing of a peace treaty between Thailand and Cambodia.

Before departing Kuala Lumpur, Trump waved farewell to Malaysian officials and citizens, marking the conclusion of his 24-hour visit. Taking to Truth Social, he wrote, “Just leaving Malaysia, a great and very vibrant Country. Signed major Trade and Rare Earth Deals, and yesterday, most importantly, signed the Peace Treaty between Thailand and Cambodia. NO WAR! Millions of lives saved. Such an honor to have gotten this done. Now, off to Japan!!!”

At the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Trump played a key role in facilitating the Thailand-Cambodia Peace Treaty, which ended months of escalating border skirmishes between the two neighbours. The agreement was hailed as a major diplomatic success for the region. He also oversaw the signing of a set of new trade frameworks with Southeast Asian partners, aimed at boosting supply chain resilience and rare earth cooperation.

Upon arriving in Japan, Trump’s itinerary began with a formal audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, his first meeting with the Emperor since returning to office in January. The meeting, described by Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara as “an extremely meaningful opportunity to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance,” underscored the depth of bilateral relations and mutual respect between the two nations.

During his stop in Malaysia, Trump also held his first phone conversation with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on October 25. According to the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, the 10-minute call centered on expanding bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Trump congratulated Takaichi on her recent election win and reaffirmed that strengthening the Japan-US alliance remains one of his administration’s top priorities.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, called her country “an indispensable partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific” and expressed determination to work toward realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). She also praised Trump’s diplomatic leadership in mediating the West Asia peace accord and requested continued U.S. support in resolving the long-standing abductions issue involving North Korea.

Both leaders expressed enthusiasm about meeting in person, with Takaichi saying she looked forward to welcoming Trump to Japan, while Trump emphasized his readiness for “a strong and enduring partnership.”

Trump’s current three-day visit-his first to Japan in nearly six years, is expected to focus on defense cooperation, trade, and joint strategies for regional stability. The trip also reflects his continued commitment to strengthening U.S. ties with democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Trump, who last visited Japan in 2019 for the G20 Summit in Osaka, has signaled a renewed emphasis on Japan as a cornerstone of his Asia policy, with both governments reaffirming their shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.