ASEAN Summit in Malaysia Hosts Global Leaders Including Trump for Key Trade Talks and Thai-Cambodia Ceasefire Deal

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is hosting its 47th summit in Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant diplomatic event that coincides with crucial trade discussions between the United States and China. President Donald Trump is attending the summit as part of a five-day Asia tour, which also includes visits to Japan and South Korea, aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties and address trade tensions, including a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. ASEAN is focusing on trade multilateralism and expanding partnerships beyond Asia to regions like Africa and Latin America, while formally welcoming East Timor as its 11th member. A key highlight of the summit is the anticipated signing ceremony involving Trump and Southeast Asian leaders to endorse a peace accord resolving the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, a conflict that recently caused significant casualties and displacement. Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to engage with Trump to discuss enhanced military cooperation, trade deals including increased Japanese imports of U.S. goods, and possible defense spending commitments. The summit represents Malaysia's strategic effort to bolster ASEAN's international relations amid internal regional challenges and global economic uncertainties.