Trump to meet Xi in South Korea amid trade tensions

US President Donald Trump is embarking on a significant trip to Asia, with a key meeting scheduled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping that carries substantial implications for the global economy.

This visit marks Trump's first trip to the region since returning to the White House and is characterized by his administration's approach of imposing tariffs and engaging in geopolitical deal-making.

The highly anticipated meeting with Xi is set to occur on October 30 in South Korea, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Despite previous threats to cancel the meeting due to escalating trade tensions, Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a comprehensive "deal on everything" with China.

A senior US official stated that Trump would "deliver for the American people in one of the most economically vibrant regions of the world, signing a series of economic agreements."

Washington played down speculation that Trump could meet North Korea's Kim Jong Un while in South Korea, with a US official stating it was "not on the schedule."

His first stop will be Malaysia, where he arrives on Sunday, for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, a meeting Trump skipped several times in his first term.

Host nations, including Malaysia and Japan, are preparing to welcome Trump with elaborate ceremonies, aiming to secure favorable trade and security agreements.