Trump in the spotlight, Asean in the shadows

Mr Trump and Asean operate differently. Ms Susannah Patton, deputy research director at Australian think-tank Lowy Institute, said in a commentary that he is “a leader who emphasises his own unique deal-making genius to reshape international affairs”, while Asean “prioritises consensus and incremental cooperation”. One thrives on command, the other on compromise.

- Arlina Arshad Indonesia Bureau Chief

During his first term, Mr Trump attended the 2017 Asean Summit in the Philippines but skipped other Asean summits. His return to Asean was less about renewed interest in Southeast Asia than reasserting America’s footprint in a region where China's influence has deepened through trade, investment and infrastructure.

The White House described the day as “delivering peace and prosperity in one historic day”.

For Asean, any American president’s attendance is prized, but analysts say symbolism outweighed action.

Ms Joanne Lin, a senior fellow and coordinator of the Asean Studies Centre at the Singapore-based ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, noted that “especially after years of neglect, having Washington at the table signals some extent of renewed attention to Southeast Asia”.

Yet the visit was largely about image and legacy.

Mr Trump positioned himself as a “peacemaker” in the Thailand-Cambodia deal, which was signed on Oct 26 against a banner that read “Delivering Peace”, raising his global profile and supporting a long-term Nobel Peace Prize bid.

“Countering China’s influence in the region is certainly part of the calculation, but the immediate optics of being seen as the dealmaker who restored peace in Southeast Asia is the bigger prize,” Ms Lin told The Straits Times.

The summit produced a string of bilateral wins: the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire pact, removal of Phnom Penh’s arms embargo, trade frameworks with Vietnam and Thailand, and expanded cooperation with Malaysia on energy, critical minerals and maritime security.

“Our message to the nations of Southeast Asia is that the United States is with you 100 per cent and we intend to be a strong partner for many generations,” Mr Trump said.

Ms Patton highlighted Malaysia’s role as Asean chair.