After this brief stop, Trump moved on to Malaysia. As part of the activities in Kuala Lumpur, President Trump presided over the signing of an expanded ceasefire agreement to end the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The US president was influential in bringing about a resolution to the fighting, and it was fitting that he be there for the official signing. Additionally, during Trump’s stay in Malaysia, he completed deals with the Malaysian government, ensuring that exports of critical rare-earth minerals would not be subject to bans or quotas. Trump also secured a pledge for $70 billion in infrastructure investment in the US over the next ten years. Among other financial agreements, Trump reached a deal whereby Thailand would purchase 80 US-built aircraft for $18 billion.
At the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, which began Sunday and will run through Tuesday, October 28, Trump represents the US and emphasizes America First priorities, focusing on bilateral trade alliances in the Indo-Pacific to stand as a bulwark against China’s growing influence. He’s also attending the 20th East Asia Summit, a broader forum that includes US friends and partners such as Japan, Australia, and India, and which also runs from Sunday, October 26, through Tuesday, October 28. One of the most important topics will be maritime security in the South China Sea.
Setting the stage for President Trump’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea, US and Chinese negotiators agreed on the basic structure of a trade deal. Many Americans are interested in the progress being made on the acquisition and ownership of the social media app TikTok by US companies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, made progress expanding on the deal made in Madrid. Bessent told Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation: “….We reached a final deal on TikTok. We reached one in Madrid, and I believe that as of today, all the details are ironed out, and that will be for the two leaders to consummate that transaction on Thursday [October 30] in Korea.”
Bessant also told reporters that China agreed on “substantial” soybean purchases from American farmers as well as a delay in export controls on rare earth exports for a year while they “reexamine it.”
A Visit to North Korea?
The president’s six-day trip will include stops in Japan and, of course, South Korea, where he plans to meet with China’s president. But there is also speculation that, while in South Korea, he might cross the northern border. While on Air Force One on the way to Malaysia, President Trump was asked by a reporter whether he planned to meet with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un while in the region.
“Well, I would if he would contact me. He probably knows I’m coming. If you want to put out the word, I’m open to it. I’d be open to it 100%,” he responded. When asked about the US recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power, he said, “Well, they are sort of a nuclear power. When you say they have to be recognized as a nuclear power, well, they’ve got a lot of nuclear weapons, I’ll say that.”
So far, Trump’s Asia trip has been fruitful. The businessman president is doing business and bringing home the bacon. However, this has been more than a business trip. Trump’s presence reinforces America’s economic and military commitment to the Indo-Pacific and the existence of the US as a significant counterforce to China. America’s support in blunting Beijing’s strong military influence in disputed waters in the South China Sea is crucial to gaining and maintaining meaningful geopolitical relationships in the region.
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