Trump gives ASEAN summit its moment to shine

(MENAFN) At the end of a hectic 24-hour visit to Kuala Lumpur, US President Donald Trump departed aboard Air Force One claiming a series of breakthroughs that, according to the White House, would bring “peace and prosperity” to Asia. As he continued his tour to Japan and South Korea ahead of his highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump’s appearance at the ASEAN Summit marked an unexpected high point for the regional bloc—long criticized for its waning influence.

Trump’s presence gave the Association of Southeast Asian Nations its most significant moment in years, especially after brokering what he described as a “peace deal” between Thailand and Cambodia, whose border tensions had flared into open conflict in July. While Bangkok avoided using the term “peace deal,” the agreement was hailed as a rare diplomatic success for ASEAN and its chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who initially mediated the ceasefire.

Anwar’s personal diplomacy—built on years of relationships with both countries—played a key role in the breakthrough. His rapport with Trump also helped, with the US president using his trademark mix of charm and economic pressure to push the rivals toward agreement. Trump made it clear that the US would leverage trade deals to promote regional peace, and both Thailand and Cambodia quickly announced new commercial agreements with Washington following the ceasefire signing.

For ASEAN leaders, Trump’s attendance offered something just as valuable—face time with the American president at a crucial moment in tariff negotiations. Export-driven economies such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia signed new deals with the US, securing exemptions for certain goods even if tariff rates remained unchanged.

“Trump was here for a photo op… this was just another feather in his cap,” said one regional analyst. Still, many Southeast Asian leaders used the opportunity to showcase how closely regional and US interests align.

Founded in 1967 as a Cold War buffer against communism, ASEAN now functions as a platform for trade and diplomacy. Its summits attract major powers seeking convenient access to all regional leaders in one venue—this year including heads of state from China, the European Union, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa. The bloc has made economic strides, advancing integration and securing free trade pacts, but remains weak on resolving regional conflicts.

Critics point to persistent failures, from forest-fire pollution to the unresolved South China Sea disputes, and especially ASEAN’s inability to end Myanmar’s civil war since the 2021 military coup. At this week’s summit, the bloc once again urged the junta to halt violence and hold “free and fair” elections—language that observers saw as its toughest stance to date, yet still largely symbolic.

Analysts say ASEAN’s limited power stems from its defining principle of non-interference in members’ domestic affairs—a stance meant to preserve unity but one that often leaves the bloc “toothless” in the face of crises. “When it comes to political crises, it's mission impossible for members to give up sovereignty and give in to the ASEAN greater good,” said one regional expert.

The inability to prevent the recent Thai-Cambodian conflict underscored what observers call “ASEAN fragility.” Still, the ceasefire agreement brokered in Kuala Lumpur—though not a final resolution—represents tangible progress and a rare moment of credibility for the organization.

The summit also produced other wins. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reached a “framework deal” on rare earths and tariffs with China’s He Lifeng, signaling a potential easing of trade tensions ahead of the Trump–Xi meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this week.

In a historic and emotional moment, ASEAN formally admitted East Timor as its newest member, completing Southeast Asia’s geographic representation. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão called the country’s accession “a dream realised,” with scenes of the East Timorese delegation in tears spreading widely online.

For all its limitations, the summit reminded observers that ASEAN still has the capacity to matter. Trump’s visit—driven as much by symbolism as substance—briefly restored the bloc’s relevance, proving that even a “toothless” institution can still find its voice on the global stage.

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