Donald Trump has begun a whistle-stop tour of Asia that will culminate in his first face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping for six years. It is “the most important week of diplomacy” for Trump “since he returned to office”, said The Economist.

"Bloomberg: The Asia Trade" brings you everything you need to know to get ahead as the trading day begins in Asia. Bloomberg TV is live from Seoul and Kuala Lumpur with Shery Ahn and Avril Hong, getting insight and analysis from newsmakers and industry leaders on the biggest stories shaping global markets.

President Trump is heading to Asia for his first trip to the region since taking office in January as the government shutdown persists with no end in sight.

Mariko Oi will be joined by regular guests from across the region, including South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and China correspondent Laura Bicker

China and Australia on Monday sought to keep ties on an even keel despite tensions over military encounters in the South China Sea and rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing both sides as "friends".

The swing through Malaysia, Japan and South Korea is expected to test President Trump’s skills as a statesman and negotiator.

Trump's Asia summit tour includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other regional leaders as trade tensions with Beijing escalate.