Trump Arrives in South Korea for Final Leg of Asia Tour Amid Trade Talks and North Korea Tensions

BUSAN / GWANGJU:U.S. President **Donald Trump** has arrived in **South Korea**, the final stop of his Asia tour, where he is scheduled to meet President **Yoon Suk-yeol** and discuss ongoing **trade agreements**.

Trump is expected to meet **Chinese President Xi Jinping** tomorrow, a development that has already generated **positive reactions in global markets**. His arrival in Gyeongju came just hours after **North Korea conducted a nuclear-capable cruise missile test**, but Trump downplayed the event, emphasizing that his focus remains on **trade negotiations with China**.

“**Our relations with China are excellent, and I believe this meeting will benefit not only the U.S. but the entire world,**” Trump said. He hinted that if Beijing agrees to reduce exports of **fentanyl chemical components**, the U.S. could **lower tariffs on Chinese goods**.

In **Busan**, Trump received a **grand military welcome**, including a band performance of his favorite song, “YMCA.” He later flew by helicopter to Gyeongju.

Despite progress, **disagreements remain** over the **$35 billion investment deal** agreed upon in July. Washington wants Seoul to **increase defense spending**, while South Korea seeks **flexibility in U.S. immigration rules** to expand the workforce for its factories.

On the sensitive issue of **Taiwan**, Trump said he could not confirm whether it would be discussed with Xi Jinping. Taiwan’s foreign minister reaffirmed that the **U.S. will not leave the island isolated**.

Trump has already completed visits to **Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan**, where he announced new **trade agreements and regional peace initiatives**.