Trump in Asia: Peace agreement and critical voices at the summit

Trump in Asia: Peace agreement and critical voices at the summit

A cracker at the start is how US President Donald Trump's trip to Asia could be described. On October 26, 2025, he began his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where things got really busy. As part of the ASEAN summit, Thailand and Cambodia signed a peace agreement developed with the support of Trump. Tensions between the two countries had previously escalated sharply after fighting on the border at the end of July 2025 cost at least 43 people their lives and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Radio Ennepe Ruhr reports that both the withdrawal of heavy weapons and joint demining are part of the new agreement.

The talks took place at the invitation of Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It was not an easy undertaking, as hostilities had resumed only a few days earlier. Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet agreed to peace, with Malaysia acting as a neutral mediator. Another highlight of the summit was Trump's announcement that he would release 18 Cambodian prisoners of war, which further eased the diplomatic tension. Tagesschau comments that the USA is putting great pressure on both countries to avoid escalation.

Strained relationships and economic pressure

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia are historically strained, particularly over the disputed Preah Vihear territory, which has belonged to Cambodia since 2013. Aggression has increased in recent months as both countries blame each other for outbreaks of fighting. Before his trips, Trump had made it clear that he was keen to resolve these conflicts and threatened economic consequences if he did not do so in order to bring the parties to their senses. DW reports that the USA is actively supporting the settlement of the conflict.

Another aspect of the trip is the discussions about trade agreements. These were agreed at the same time as the peace agreement. Trump had already promised high tariffs if there was a further increase in violent clashes. So Thailand and Cambodia seem to have not only peace in mind, but also economic relations.

A controversial guest of honor

In the political spending spree, the atmosphere around the summit is also being discussed. Trump's visit was met with a lot of resistance - hundreds protested against him in Kuala Lumpur. However, the demonstrators were not the only ones who followed the events loudly. Trump caused a stir upon his arrival when he danced lightly at the welcome ceremony at the airport. An image that shows the world that despite all the tension, there can also be joy.

There are still a few important stops coming up on his trip to Asia. Next stop: Japan, where Trump will meet Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Then we continue to South Korea, where a meeting with Xi Jinping is planned. Despite speculation, it remains clear that a meeting with Kim Jong Un is not part of the program, with the US government continuing to work towards complete nuclear disarmament for North Korea. The international community will keep a close eye on what is happening and hope for future developments. It remains exciting!