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While Trump dances, Asean trips
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US President Donald Trump joining performers in a dance during a welcoming ceremony after arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Oct 26.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Trump's Asean visit showcased US re-engagement, but prioritised bilateral deals and his image as a "peacemaker," potentially undermining Asean's centrality.
- Analysts highlight Asean's need to strengthen internal mechanisms and move from dialogue to delivery to avoid becoming a secondary player.
- Asean's convening power remains valuable, yet it must translate discussions into concrete actions to shape the region's future and assert its authority.
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JAKARTA – At the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26, US President Donald Trump commanded the spotlight, while the 11-nation grouping remained largely in the shadows. For Washington, it was a demonstration of relevance. For Asean, it was a reminder of its limits.
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.
