KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — On Sunday, President Donald Trump aims to enhance his reputation as an international dealmaker by solidifying a significant trade agreement with Malaysia and overseeing the signing of an expanded ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. These two nations recently experienced skirmishes along their disputed border, making the timing of these agreements crucial. The two accords are expected to be finalized during the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is hosted in Kuala Lumpur.
This summit marks the first stop of Trump’s three-country tour across Asia, which includes visits to Japan and South Korea, culminating in a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur around 10 a.m. local time and will participate in a ceremony commemorating the agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, a deal he has proudly brokered.
Earlier this year, Trump had threatened to withhold trade agreements from both countries following five days of intense combat in July, which resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. The long-standing territorial disputes between Cambodia and Thailand have often led to violence along their border. Trump's economic leverage has been credited with prompting the current negotiations, leading to a shaky truce.
Ou Virak, the president of Phnom Penh’s Future Forum think tank, emphasized the significance of Trump’s tariff threats, stating, “The fact that Trump was holding the tariff card was actually very, very significant. That’s probably the main reason, if not the only reason, why the two sides agreed immediately to the ceasefire.” The ceremony serves as a platform for Trump to present himself as a peacemaker, bolstering his bid for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura indicated that the "joint declaration" to be signed will reaffirm Thailand and Cambodia's commitment to renewing their bilateral relations. He noted that discussions also include addressing Thai concerns regarding landmines and heavy artillery along the border. “It’s not an end in itself,” Nikorndej stated. “Work has just begun.”
During his visit, Trump plans to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the ceasefire. Trump is also expected to join regional leaders for dinner; however, he has publicly stated that he will not meet with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney due to tensions over tariffs and a television ad criticizing him.
Additionally, Trump's trip comes amidst another trade war—this time with China. While traveling on Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about his upcoming meeting with Xi, indicating that they could make progress on various issues, including fentanyl trafficking and soybean trade. “I think we have a really good chance of making a very comprehensive deal,” Trump remarked, emphasizing his commitment to protecting American farmers.
Details regarding Trump's agreements have been notably scarce, raising questions about whether his deal-making efforts will address longstanding trade issues or simply postpone them. Trump has expressed confidence about finalizing trade agreements with Japan and South Korea, both of which are longstanding allies and trading partners. In Southeast Asia, trade talks with Malaysia appear further along, with an agreement anticipated to be signed during Trump’s stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Trump has asserted, “We have deals with a lot of people and they’re very good deals,” reinforcing his belief in the success of his diplomatic efforts.
One notable leader absent from the summit is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although Modi and Trump enjoyed a close relationship during Trump's first term, recent tensions have emerged, particularly following Trump's claims of mediating a conflict between India and Pakistan and his decision to increase tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil.
The outcomes of these meetings and agreements could significantly impact the trading landscape in Southeast Asia and beyond, as Trump continues to navigate complex international relations while seeking to bolster his standing on the global stage.
