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As we look ahead to the coming week, all eyes are on Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where significant diplomatic gatherings are set to unfold. The city will host the ASEAN leaders meeting alongside the East Asia Summit, drawing attention from across the globe.
The backdrop to these meetings is a complex tapestry of regional issues, including recent conflicts that have challenged the stability of Southeast Asia. One such conflict, a five-day war which resulted in the tragic loss of at least 48 lives, is among the eight disputes former President Donald Trump has taken credit for mitigating. While it’s true that the United States played a role in initiating a ceasefire, the primary facilitation of this agreement was under the guidance of ASEAN’s chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The ceasefire, however, remains a work in progress. Last week saw diligent efforts from officials in Thailand and Cambodia, who are striving to finalize the terms of the agreement. Their work underscores the ongoing commitment to peace and stability within the region, a theme likely to resonate throughout the upcoming summits.
As leaders convene, they will undoubtedly address these pressing issues, seeking resolutions that foster peace and cooperation across East Asia. The outcome of these discussions will be critical, not only for the countries directly involved but for the broader regional dynamic.
‘Transactional’ trade talks
But south-east Asia is where the ‘Liberation Day’ proclamations were felt hardest, with the US the region’s biggest export partner.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum takes place in the South Korean city of Gyeongju from 31 October to 1 November. Source: NurPhoto, Getty / Seung-il Ryu
Those leaders, if able to get face time with Trump, will likely raise the impact of the economic measures on their workers and industries, but a breakthrough is unlikely.
“One in four Australian jobs rely on trade and we will be focused on continuing to grow our key economic and trade relationships during ASEAN and APEC,” Albanese said.
Speaking in Washington DC last week, the prime minister expressed hope he’d see the US president again in person in Kuala Lumpur.
The Trump-Xi meeting, and the ‘1 per cent chance’ of a surprise
When the US president last visited South Korea in 2019, he had a surprise meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un, stepping over the border.
“I don’t want to miss even a 1 per cent chance,” Chung Dong-young told reporters.
