Why Trump’s Asia Visit Is Consequential

President Trump has embarked on a six-day diplomatic tour of Asia, testing his role as a statesman and negotiator as he pursues a trade deal with China. Erica L. Green, the White House correspondent for The New York Times, explains what’s at stake.

By Erica L. Green, Christina Thornell, Karen Hanley, Stephanie Swart, Pierre Kattar and David Seekamp

October 27, 2025