Donald Trump has begun a whistle-stop tour of Asia that will culminate in his first face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping for six years. It is “the most important week of diplomacy” for Trump “since he returned to office”, said The Economist.

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched his first trip to Asia during his second term. The journey includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, with a busy schedule of meetings, summits, and high-level diplomatic discussions.

The looming meeting between the US and Chinese leaders has left Australia’s message about better economic ties with South-East Asia struggling to be heard.

Amid mounting trade shocks and heightened geopolitical uncertainties, Chinese President Xi Jinping will join leaders from APEC economies in South Korea in the coming days, in a bid to build consensus for shared prosperity and reaffirm China’s commitment to open,

Anthony Albanese will spruik “growth, security and stability” at major summits in South East Asia next week after blindsiding China with his $13bn critical minerals deal with the US.