Japanese officials are meeting with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss a potential trade deal, marking the first such meeting since the president launched sweeping tariffs two weeks ago.As the U.S. and Japan negotiate a trade deal, experts warn the outcome could impact much more than just these two nations. With the trade war escalating, the world is watching closely for a potential breakthrough."The stakes are high, not just for Japan and for the United States, but indeed for the United States relationship with the rest of the world," said Shihoko Goto of The Wilson Center.President Donald Trump said Japanese officials are visiting "to negotiate tariffs, military costs, and trade fairness." This comes as the president seeks new deals amid global pushback to his trade war.These negotiations are the first of several, according to the White House, after the president imposed double-digit tariffs on dozens of countries before reducing them by 1o% for all except China.Both superpowers have traded economic blows with triple-digit tariffs and export controls on critical minerals. However, talks to end the standoff have not happened, and the White House says the ball is in China's court."China needs to make a deal with us; we don't have to make a deal with them," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.Instead, Chinese President Xi Jinping is touring Southeast Asia, positioning Beijing as the more reliable trade partner. Experts say this is why the White House's meeting with Japan is critical, as both sides race to gain allies."This provides an opportunity to say this is America's vision. We want to ensure that we are together and pushing back against Chinese coercion," said Goto.As the trade war escalates, California is challenging the president's authority in court, adding new legal pressure to an already tense global standoff."The president can't do unlawful things. It's really that simple," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.The president argues that unfair trade, import reliance, and China's growing influence pose a national emergency, justifying tariffs under emergency powers. Meanwhile, the White House will host Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday.The latest report from the Commerce Department shows spending at U.S. retailers rose 1.4% in March from February, the highest monthly gain since January 2023. Economists believe Trump's trade war has unsettled Americans in recent months, impacting people's purchasing behavior.