Kuala Lumpur: US President Donald Trump started his Asia tour in Malaysia Sunday by rewarding Cambodia and Thailand with trade deals after co-signing their ceasefire pact, and saying he was confident of a “great” trade deal at upcoming talks with China’s Xi Jinping. Trump brimmed with confidence ahead of the meeting with Xi in South Korea, that seeks to end the bruising trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.

According to United Nations, Trump’s tour began with the strategic aim of strengthening economic ties in the region, starting with new trade agreements with Cambodia and Thailand. These agreements were facilitated following the signing of a ceasefire pact, marking a significant step in reducing regional tensions and boosting economic cooperation.

The highlight of Trump’s tour is the anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. This meeting is being closely watched as it offers a crucial opportunity to address and potentially resolve the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, which has had significant implications for global markets.

Trump’s statements have set a hopeful tone for the upcoming negotiations with Xi, as he expressed optimism about reaching a favorable trade agreement that could benefit both nations. The focus of the discussions is expected to center on reducing tariffs and addressing broader economic policies that have been points of contention.

The Asia tour signifies a pivotal moment in US foreign policy, aiming to reinforce alliances in Southeast Asia while addressing complex economic challenges with China. The outcomes of these talks could have far-reaching consequences for international trade dynamics and economic stability.