Protocol briefs Trump: No insults during Southeast Asia trip

WASHINGTON - The Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s visit to Asia beginning Friday means lots of planning, no insults and above all, no surprises.

That’s according to protocol experts who say American informality frequently gets lost in translation in traditional cultures Trump will be visiting.

But his visit to Japan, South Korea, China Vietnam and the Philippines could pose special challenges for the tough-talking president.

Trump departs Nov. 3 on a 12-day visit to Hawaii and Asia, toting a hefty economic and national security policy agenda.

A team of protocol and policy experts is briefing him, and Trump during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting said he was avoiding saying anything that might be embarrassing about the trade deficit with China ahead of his visit there.

Other U.S. presidents have committed faux pas in the region, especially in China.