U.S. President Donald Trump is set to test his deal-making prowess during a five-day trip to Asia next week, visiting Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, amid uncertainties over a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump, who will leave Washington on Friday night, aims to secure trade, business, and ceasefire agreements before facing the toughest challenge—a face-to-face with Xi on Thursday in South Korea.

The trip comes as Trump seeks to safeguard the signature foreign policy achievement of his second term, a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, while tensions continue in Ukraine and a trade war with China shows little sign of easing.

Washington and Beijing have raised tariffs on each other's exports and threatened restrictions on critical minerals and technologies, keeping markets on edge.

According to sources, neither side expects a breakthrough restoring pre-inauguration trade terms. Preparatory talks have focused on managing disagreements and potential modest improvements, such as limited tariff relief, an extension of current rates, or Chinese commitments to buy U.S. soybeans and Boeing planes.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the Trump-Xi meeting as a "pull-aside," suggesting no formal agreement. Trump, however, told reporters the leaders would have "a pretty long meeting" to address "questions and doubts" and explore "our tremendous assets together." China has yet to confirm the meeting.