TRUMP'S VISIT TO ASEAN SUMMIT SEEN AS POWER AND TRADE TEST - EXPERT

By Samantha Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump’s visit to Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN Summit is seen as a significant test of Washington’s plan to regain influence in a region where China’s power has grown fast over the past decade.

Political analyst Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said Trump’s visit is a move to bring America back into the region’s economic and security game.

“Trump sees ASEAN not just in political terms, but as a market full of business and natural resource potential. The US wants to balance China’s dominance,” he told Bernama today.

He explained that the US has long imposed high tariffs on certain ASEAN exports, including those from Malaysia, making trade less attractive.

“The first impression the US gave was through tariffs, which made business difficult. If Washington wants deeper ties, it should start by reviewing those tariffs,” he added.

Mohd Azizuddin, who is also Universiti Utara Malaysia deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), said there is room to reopen or renegotiate tariffs with individual ASEAN members, including Malaysia, which chairs ASEAN this year, adding that the summit is also a broader platform where the US may seek talks with multiple partners on trade and strategic issues.

He said the US is also interested in Southeast Asia’s natural wealth, including nickel, lithium and rare earth elements (REEs), which are vital for electric vehicles and semiconductor industries.

“I think they (the US) see the potential of our natural resources, not only rare earths but also oil and other things. So, whenever he visits any region, he looks for greater business potential for his country. 

“Overall, I think Southeast Asia is a region that is very dynamic and crucial because this region is considered the fifth-biggest market in the world.

“Anything that happens to this region, I think, can push the global economy into recession or create problems because of the region’s dynamism in business, the trade and sea routes — everything passes through this region. That’s why Trump is willing to come, to make sure US power is still here and all countries can become his partners,” he said.

Mohd Azizuddin said Malaysia’s clear policy, requiring foreign investors to set up factories and create local jobs instead of just extracting raw materials, makes the country more attractive to US firms seeking stable and well-regulated environments.

While the US might highlight the South China Sea issue, Mohd Azizuddin said ASEAN countries prefer economic cooperation over military posturing.

“What ASEAN needs is economic peace, not more patrols,” he added.

Mohd Azizuddin noted that the US could also play a role in helping resolve the Myanmar crisis, which has strained ASEAN unity and resources.

He said the Malaysian public views Trump’s visit with mixed feelings, cautious about US policies on Palestine but hopeful about new economic opportunities.

“The business community wants to see what deals America can offer. Like it or not, the US remains a superpower whose decisions affect global trade,” he said.

He concluded that ASEAN will continue its neutral and balanced diplomacy, working with both powers based on mutual benefit.

“Malaysia is practical; we stay friends with all, speak up when needed and negotiate smartly. That’s how we survive between giants,” he added.

The summit, he added, will reveal what America is willing to offer and how much ASEAN can gain from a renewed partnership in trade, technology and security.

 Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Oct 26, marking his maiden trip to Asia since beginning his second presidency in January 2025.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, chaired by Malaysia under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will be held from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

-- BERNAMA