Asia week ahead features key summits and trade data

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan for talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi amid warming ties and regional uncertainty.

The summit in Nara is expected to focus on economic and cultural cooperation between the two East Asian neighbours.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will begin a five-day visit to China to discuss trade and security as Ottawa seeks to diversify exports away from the United States.

The visit marks the first trip by a Canadian leader to China since 2017 and signals an effort to reset strained relations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to India for his first official visit, holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade, technology and security.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to visit the United Arab Emirates to attend the signing of a major trade agreement.

A Hong Kong court will begin a mitigation hearing for pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai following his conviction under the National Security Law.

China will release December trade data after posting a record surplus in 2025 despite ongoing trade tensions.

India will publish December trade figures as it continues to face steep US tariffs on exports.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit Japan and South Korea to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation.