Trump in Japan; hopes grow for China deal

US PRESIDENT DUE TO MEET XI ON THURSDAY IN S KOREA

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Optimism grew yesterday that Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping will end their bruising trade war in talks this week, as the US president touched down in Tokyo on the latest leg of an Asian tour.

Trump said en route to close US ally Japan that he was hopeful of a deal when he sees Xi on Thursday, while also indicating he was willing to extend his trip in order to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"I have a lot of respect for President Xi and we are going to, I think ... come away with a deal," Trump told reporters on Air Force One, adding that he aimed to go to China "in the earlier part" of 2026.

Stock markets up