US President Donald Trump arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday to attend the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, marking the start of a high-profile Asia tour. His visit comes at a time when his protectionist trade policies and foreign agenda continue to weigh heavily on the region.
The ASEAN bloc, now expanded to 11 members, is hosting leaders from across the globe, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, South Africa and Australia. At the center of the summit is a proposed peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, with Trump set to oversee the signing ceremony.
On his way to Malaysia, Trump posted on Truth Social, taking credit for the ceasefire between the two neighbors. The conflict escalated in July with the deadliest border clashes in years, leaving dozens dead and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes. Analysts, however, note that while Trump’s tariff threats may have pressured both sides, the ceasefire was largely brokered by Malaysia and ASEAN earlier this year.
The agreement, known as the Kuala Lumpur Accords, would require both Thailand and Cambodia to remove landmines and heavy artillery from their shared border, a move seen as a crucial step toward long-term stability.
The summit also marked a historic moment for Timor-Leste, which was formally welcomed as ASEAN’s 11th member. The small nation of 1.4 million people has long sought entry into the bloc, hoping that closer economic ties will help lift its struggling, resource-dependent economy. Applause filled the hall as Timor-Leste’s flag was raised, symbolizing its long-awaited integration into the regional community.
Trump’s presence at the summit underscores Washington’s continued influence in Southeast Asia, even as regional leaders balance their own priorities. For ASEAN, the gathering represents both a chance to showcase unity and to address pressing challenges, from border conflicts to economic cooperation.
SEO Tags: Trump ASEAN summit, Kuala Lumpur Accords, Thailand Cambodia peace deal, Timor-Leste ASEAN membership, ASEAN 2025 summit
#Tags: #Trump #ASEAN #TimorLeste #abnewsinternational #KualaLumpurAccords
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