KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 – U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Sunday to headline the ASEAN Summit, a major gathering of regional leaders marked by breakthrough diplomatic efforts and a new era of trade negotiations. His visit coincided with a historic ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, a pact hailed as a step toward lasting peace in Southeast Asia.
Trump’s arrival was met with a warm welcome at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greeted him with full ceremonial honors. As traditional dancers performed, Trump joined briefly in the festivities, waving both U.S. and Malaysian flags before departing for the capital. His presence underscored Washington’s renewed interest in Southeast Asia, particularly in securing partnerships over critical minerals and trade diversification.
Ceasefire Brings Hope for Border Peace
At the summit’s opening ceremony, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signed an expanded ceasefire agreement under Trump’s watch. The ceremony, held before a large banner reading “Delivering Peace,” built on an earlier truce signed three months prior following violent border clashes that displaced hundreds of thousands.
“This declaration, if truly honored, will pave the way for rebuilding trust and reconciliation between our nations,” Hun Manet said. “Our border communities have endured immense suffering, and this step brings hope for families divided by years of tension.”
Trump, who personally mediated the end of a five-day conflict in July through direct phone calls with both leaders, praised the progress and urged both sides to commit to peace. “The United States will pursue robust cooperation and commerce with Thailand and Cambodia, as long as peace remains the foundation of our partnership,” he declared.
The recent fighting between the two neighbors resulted in at least 48 deaths and forced about 300,000 people to flee their homes. Both countries accused each other of igniting hostilities through rocket and artillery exchanges. The new agreement calls for the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from border zones and renewed efforts to promote community security.
Prime Minister Anutin nearly missed the signing ceremony due to the passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit on Friday but later decided to attend, citing the symbolic importance of the event. He also confirmed that Thailand would release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers as a gesture of goodwill. “We are turning a page in our history,” he said, emphasizing that cooperation, not confrontation, would guide future relations.
Trade Talks and Global Diplomacy
Trump’s first stop in Malaysia set the tone for a busy diplomatic weekend. Behind closed doors, American and Chinese negotiators met on the sidelines to address tensions in their ongoing trade dispute. According to U.S. trade officials, the talks covered a wide range of issues, including extending temporary trade truces and diversifying critical mineral supply chains.
China’s dominance over rare earth elements, vital for modern technologies, has been a central concern for Washington. Trump announced during the ceasefire event that the United States plans to sign new critical minerals agreements with Malaysia and Thailand, moves aimed at reducing dependency on Chinese exports. He also hinted at the possibility of a wider trade deal with Cambodia in the near future.
Later in the day, Trump was scheduled to meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss Washington’s steep tariffs on Brazilian goods. Lula criticized the 50% tariffs as “unfair,” noting that the United States has maintained a significant trade surplus with Brazil over the past decade. Trump signaled flexibility, suggesting that “constructive dialogue” could lead to reduced tariffs.
Meanwhile, talks with Canada were abruptly halted after disagreements over tariff adjustments. Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% duty on Canadian imports, saying the move was necessary to “protect American industries and workers.”
East Timor Joins ASEAN Bloc
Adding to the summit’s historic tone, East Timor officially became the 11th member of the ASEAN community. The small nation, also known as Timor-Leste, marks its inclusion nearly 14 years after formally applying for membership. With a population of about 1.4 million and an economy valued at roughly $2 billion, East Timor’s accession is seen more as a symbolic achievement than an economic game-changer.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao celebrated the milestone, calling it a “dream fulfilled” for the people of East Timor. “Our membership represents perseverance, unity, and the promise of a brighter future for our young democracy,” he said. President Jose Ramos-Horta echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that ASEAN membership embodies the country’s struggle for independence and its commitment to peace and regional cooperation.
The inclusion of East Timor brings fresh optimism to ASEAN’s future. Although its economic impact may be limited, the decision reinforces the bloc’s image as an inclusive community focused on political stability, economic development, and shared prosperity.