U.S. President Donald Trump listens to South Korean President Moon Jae-in during a joint news conference at the Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 7, 2017 (AP photo Andrew Harnik).

North Korea looms large on U.S. President Donald Trump’s agenda during his nearly two weeks in Asia. Compared to discussions on trade and economics, and Trump’s handling of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and a now-likely one with Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats have the gravest consequence for regional and global security. With Trump, the North Korea crisis appears to be playing out on several, sometimes-contradictory levels. His national security officials hold out proposals for diplomatic contact, or military options short of full-scale war, while the president opts for brash messages to intimidate […]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, front row center, applauds during the closing ceremony of the 19th Party Congress, Beijing, Oct. 24, 2017 (AP photo by Andy Wong).

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump will embark on his first official trip to Asia, visiting five countries over 12 days. The itinerary includes a stop in China, where President Xi Jinping has emerged from October’s Communist Party Congress stronger than ever. In his second term, Xi is expected to continue his quest to make Beijing Asia’s undisputed seat of power, while extending his own power at home. Xi’s interactions with Trump will be closely watched this month. WPR has compiled 10 articles detailing Xi’s vision for China and what it means for the region. Purchase this special report as […]

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together at Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida, April 7, 2017 (AP photo by Alex Brandon).

U.S. President Donald Trump will embark on his first presidential tour of Asia on Friday, where he will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. The trip kicks off just 10 days after Chinese President Xi Jinping emerged triumphantly from the Communist Party of China’s 19th Party Congress, having solidified his rule over the party and articulated a strategic vision for China’s emergence as a global power. All eyes will be on the U.S. president to see whether he is able to reassure America’s anxious allies and partners, as well as the nonaligned countries of the region, of […]