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On a frenetic first day of President Donald Trump’s Asia tour, Washington and Beijing signaled easing tensions: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a threatened 100% tariff on China is “off the table” after “good” talks in Malaysia, and Chinese state media said negotiators reached a “basic consensus” ahead of an expected Trump–Xi meeting, not yet confirmed by Beijing. Trump joined Cambodia and Thailand in a joint declaration to de-escalate their border conflict, with prisoner releases tied to initial steps. The US also announced critical-minerals deals with Malaysia and Cambodia and outlined a trade framework with Thailand.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.