Washington, Sept 25 (HS): U.S. President Donald Trump is considering adding a visit to Japan to his upcoming Asia tour, with preliminary arrangements already underway, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

The prospective stop in Tokyo, Washington’s closest ally in East Asia, would underscore the importance of bilateral trade and security ties as both governments continue negotiations on implementing a tariff agreement reached earlier this year.If confirmed, the trip would also offer Trump his first opportunity to meet Japan’s new prime minister, set to succeed Shigeru Ishiba, who is stepping down.

However, U.S. officials emphasized that no foreign trip is final until the White House makes a formal announcement, leaving the possibility of changes.

Trump’s Asia tour is scheduled to begin later in October, with the president already committed to attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31–November 1.

While there, he is expected to hold his first in-person talks since returning to office with Chinese President Xi Jinping.Should Tokyo be added to the itinerary, the Japan visit would likely take place shortly before Trump’s arrival in South Korea, officials said.

The president is also expected to attend the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26–28.Trade issues are expected to dominate Trump’s Asia engagements, as he continues to press regional economies over what he terms unfair imbalances.

Japan, in particular, negotiated a framework deal with Washington to avert higher U.S. tariffs on its exports, but several unresolved issues remain, including Japanese investment commitments and U.S. pressure over pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar