# Trump Heads to Asia After Midterm Loss

> Trump travels to Asia amid political weakness after midterm election loss.
- Title: Trump Heads to Asia After Midterm Loss · Foreign Policy
- Summary: Trump travels to Asia amid political weakness after midterm election loss. Trump visits Philippines and China to attend ASEAN and APEC summits while facing…
- Keywords: trump, philippines, china, asean, xi jinping, quad, midterm elections, democratic party, congress, Foreign Policy
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/11/13/trump-asia-visit-apec-china-philippines-quad-asean-xi-putin
- Author: Rishi Iyengar
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: trump, philippines, china, asean, xi jinping, quad, midterm elections, democratic party, congress
## Trump's Asia Trip
Trump will visit the Philippines and China next week to attend ASEAN and APEC summits.
## Political Context
Trump faces Democratic control of Congress starting in January after midterm election loss.
## Expert Analysis
Kurt Campbell says Trump’s trip is overshadowed by domestic political challenges.
## Trump's Motivation
Trump aims to project power and confidence through high-profile events.
## Xi Meeting
Trump meets Xi for third time this year at APEC summit in Shenzhen.
## Quad Meeting
Trump meets Quad leaders for first time in his second term in Manila.
## Semiconductor Tensions
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned amid alleged spy affairs.
## Nvidia Impact
Huang previously petitioned Trump to relax chip sales restrictions to China.
## Chinese Response
China warns U.S. of fabricated spy narratives for tech restrictions.
## Trump-Xi Meeting
Trump and Xi likely avoid Nvidia tensions during talks.
## Putin Involvement
Trump may meet Putin and Xi in Shenzhen for Ukraine and nuclear talks.
## China's Stance
China prefers scripted meetings to avoid Ukraine and nuclear commitments.
## Quad Dynamics
Trump’s Quad meetings likely lack substance.
## Trade Priorities
Asian leaders may pressure Trump on tariffs.
## Iran War Impact
Iran war disrupts Asian energy supplies.
## Asian Leaders' Focus
Asian leaders shift focus from Trump to other U.S. power sources.
## Key takeaway

Trump visits Philippines and China to attend ASEAN and APEC summits while facing Democratic control of Congress.