Trump Heads To Japan After ASEAN Summit; Trade, Defence, Tech, Indo-Pacific Strategy On Agenda

After the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, US President Donald Trump departed for Japan on Monday to continue his Asia tour.

Trump’s Truth Social post reads, “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!!!”

Trump Japan visit

Following his engagements in Malaysia, Trump departed for Japan as part of his broader regional tour, which includes upcoming meetings in South Korea with Chinese President Xi Jinping. His three-day visit to Japan, from October 27–29, comes at a pivotal moment for Tokyo, which is navigating a leadership transition

and major defence reforms.

Trump is scheduled to meet Emperor Naruhito and hold a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader. Strengthening personal rapport and reinforcing the US-Japan alliance are top priorities, with discussions expected to focus on regional security challenges posed by China and Russia.

Japan is also set to unveil plans to increase its defence expenditure to 2% of GDP, potentially rising further under US encouragement. The visit will feature a new technology cooperation memorandum covering artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion, pharmaceuticals, 5G standards, quantum research, and space exploration.

Trump announced that the United States has struck a landmark trade deal with Malaysia and successfully brokered peace between Thailand and Cambodia.

US-Malaysia trade and rare earth deal

The United States and Malaysia signed an agreement focused on trade and critical minerals, marking a significant step towards reshaping global supply chains. Under the deal, Malaysia has pledged not to impose export bans or quotas on rare earth elements and other critical minerals destined for the United States. This move is seen as a direct response to China’s recent export restrictions in the same sector. The pact guarantees licence extensions to US investors, provides market certainty, and eliminates restrictions on the sale of rare earth magnets to American firms. Both nations also agreed on a 19% reciprocal tariff for Malaysian goods entering the US, while American agricultural and seafood exports will enjoy preferential access in Malaysian markets.

Beyond minerals, the deal encompasses contracts worth over USD 150 billion across multiple sectors, including semiconductors, aircraft, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, telecommunications, and data infrastructure. Malaysia also agreed to facilitate up to five million tonnes per annum in US LNG purchases and other reciprocal investments.

Thailand-Cambodia peace treaty

Trump announced that he had brokered a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia during the ASEAN Summit. The agreement, officially termed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, aims to end months of escalating border conflict that erupted in July 2025 and resulted in casualties and widespread displacement.

Trump described the achievement as an “honour,” declaring on TruthSocial, “NO WAR! Millions of lives saved.”