World leaders convened in Malaysia on Monday to explore stronger economic and trade cooperation as new U.S. tariffs loom, following President Donald Trump’s early departure from a Southeast Asian summit to continue his regional tour.
During his first Asia stop, Trump witnessed the signing of an expanded ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, along with four regional trade accords. However, the White House confirmed that none of the deals reduced existing U.S. tariffs on Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, though they left room for possible exemptions.
Trump emphasized Washington’s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia, stating, “The United States is with you 100% and will remain a strong partner for many generations.” His remarks came as U.S. and Chinese negotiators agreed to a temporary tariff truce in their ongoing trade conflict.
As Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio travel to Japan, Chinese officials, along with leaders from Brazil, Canada, the European Council, and ASEAN member nations, are working to fortify economic ties and advance trade agreements. China is expected to advocate for trade multilateralism and deepen regional partnerships while the U.S. delegation participates in ongoing discussions.
The China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes 10 ASEAN countries plus Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, is also on the agenda. Representing roughly 30% of global GDP, RCEP is viewed as a potential buffer against rising U.S. tariffs.
European Council President Antonio Costa met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, urging Beijing to ease export controls on critical raw materials and restore stable supply chains. Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reported progress toward a more favorable U.S. trade deal following discussions with Trump, emphasizing Brazil’s economic leadership in South America.
The ASEAN bloc comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, and Vietnam.


India Budget 2025 Highlights Manufacturing Push but Falls Short of Market Expectations
U.S. Approves Over $6.5 Billion in Military Sales to Israel Across Three Defense Contracts
Medvedev Warns World Is Growing More Dangerous but Says Russia Seeks to Avoid Global Conflict
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Closes Unchanged Amid Mixed Global Signals
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster
JPMorgan Lifts Gold Price Forecast to $6,300 by End-2026 on Strong Central Bank and Investor Demand
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty
U.S. and Israeli Military Leaders Hold Pentagon Talks as Tensions With Iran Escalate
Trump Orders DHS to Avoid Protests in Democratic Cities Unless Federal Assets Are Threatened
Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry
Keir Starmer Urges Prince Andrew to Testify in U.S. Epstein Investigation
Philippines Manufacturing PMI Hits Nine-Month High Despite Weak Confidence Outlook
Putin Envoy Kirill Dmitriev to Visit Miami for Talks With Trump Administration Officials
Peter Mandelson Resigns from Labour Party Amid Renewed Jeffrey Epstein Links
Trump Says Fed Pick Kevin Warsh Could Win Democratic Support in Senate Confirmation
South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges
Syria-Kurdish Ceasefire Marks Historic Step Toward National Unity 



