President Trump began his impactful week-long tour of Asia in Malaysia on Sunday, immediately immersing himself in a series of diplomatic engagements. His efforts included brokering a significant peace deal and solidifying agreements on tariffs and crucial mineral resources.
Upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Trump was met with a celebratory ceremony, where he appeared eager to project a friendly image to a region grappling with his administration’s tariff policies. Despite the vibrant display, the fundamental U.S. approach to its Indo-Pacific allies largely remained unchanged.
A highlight of the day was Trump’s oversight of a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, marking another conflict, albeit a brief one from July, for which he has claimed credit. During the ceremony, Trump hailed it as ‘a momentous day for all of the people of Southeast Asia,’ announcing that the new accord would facilitate the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war, a point agreed upon by the Thai prime minister. The signing, originally scheduled for later, was expedited to mere hours after his arrival, reinforcing Trump’s self-portrayal as a global peacemaker and negotiator, a role he seemingly embraces even as his tariffs stir international unrest and domestic policies cause internal strife.
Following the peace pact, separate agreements on reciprocal trade with Cambodia and a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals with Thailand were signed. A similar trade deal was also inked with Malaysia. Notably, the United States maintained its 19 percent tariff rate on goods from all three nations, a policy enacted earlier in Trump’s term. However, these agreements did include commitments from the three Southeast Asian countries to aid the U.S. in its ongoing efforts to contain China.
The global economic superpowers, China and the United States, have been in a heated dispute since Trump’s return to office. China recently announced restrictions on rare earth exports—a critical resource it largely controls—in retaliation for U.S. tariffs, prompting Trump to threaten further tariff hikes. Nevertheless, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Sunday’s separate trade discussions between the two nations in Malaysia resulted in a ‘very substantial framework’ agreement. The ultimate terms, however, await finalization during an anticipated face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping later in the week—their first since Trump’s re-entry to the White House.
The White House also confirmed a trade agreement framework with Vietnam, stipulating a consistent 20 percent reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese exports.
Later, at a working lunch with several Southeast Asian leaders, a visibly hoarse Trump jested about his demanding schedule after a 24-hour journey, noting he had hoped to ‘take it easy.’ This lunch was, in fact, a last-minute adjustment from an initially planned dinner. During a concise address at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Trump delivered his prepared remarks, rushing through them at times. Even his usual energetic declarations of an ‘America’s golden age’ and subtle criticisms of his predecessor seemed subdued. He concluded by referring to the assembled leaders as ‘very special people.’
Trump is scheduled to depart Malaysia on Monday for Japan, where he will meet Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s new prime minister and the country’s first woman to hold the post, with potential discussions to finalize a trade agreement. His tour will then continue to Gyeongju, South Korea, for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and his pivotal encounter with Mr. Xi.