The President’s first trip to Asia provided additional insight into his priorities for the region. The 12-day trip, which began on November 5, included visits to five countries – Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The President’s itinerary included bilateral and multilateral meetings, official state visits, and addresses to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Vietnam and the South Korean National Assembly. As explained by the White House, the trip had three core goals: (i) continue to build a coalition to address the denuclearization of North Korea, (ii) strengthen local alliances and economic partnerships in the region, and (iii) develop fair and reciprocal trade agreements with nations in the region.

A summary of the highlights from the President’s visits is provided below:

• Japan – The President began his trip in Japan where the President and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe engaged in discussions regarding how to achieve denuclearized North Korea, including instituting additional sanctions against North Korea and further developing the Japanese military. The President and Prime Minister Abe also signed agreements that would enhance infrastructure development, increase access to affordable energy, and advance foreign policy goals through economic investment.

• South Korea – In South Korea, the President addressed the South Korean National Assembly. His speech called on nations in the region to further economically isolate North Korea until it denuclearizes. The President and President Moon Jae-in also engaged in preliminary talks associated with renegotiation of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

• China – The President’s trip to China included what the President characterized as candid conversations with President Xi Jinping regarding the reduction of the U.S. trade deficit with China. In China, the President also announced various trade-investment deals. Finally, the President also emphasized that denuclearization of North Korea remains a priority of the United States.

• Vietnam – The President’s trip to Vietnam was highlighted by his time at the APEC meetings. There the President spoke with business leaders to emphasize that the United States seeks to engage in bilateral agreements with nations in the region. The President also highlighted his conviction that international trading organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, must be sure to address any unfair trading practices.

• Philippines – In the Philippines, the President met with leaders as a part of the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations and East Asia Summits. As a part of these summits, the President met with the Prime Ministers of India, Australia, and Japan. At the East Asia Summit, the United States signed statements on the use of chemical weapons, money laundering, poverty alleviation, and countering terrorist propaganda and financing.

While the President did not announce any major diplomatic or economic agreements during his trip, the issues he prioritized highlight the President’s hope for the region – a denuclearized North Korea and bilateral trade agreements that will result in more investment in the United States and decreased trade deficits for the United States.