Part 8/15:
During the meeting, Xi’s apparent discomfort was palpable; it was reported that he even excused himself briefly—some joked that he might have needed to leave out of embarrassment or frustration, a sign of how China’s influence and diplomatic standing are perceived to be waning.
Trump’s Asia Tour: Major Deals and Power Realignment
Amidst these regional diplomatic tensions, Trump’s five-day tour across Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea proved to be a significant force multiplier for U.S. influence in Asia, with tangible diplomatic and economic outcomes. It represented a clear pushback to Chinese dominance and a strategic upgrade for Biden-era U.S. engagement in the region.