US President Donald Trump is expected to drive hard bargains on tariffs and critical minerals in his return to the Asean summit in Manila next month, with Washington seeking greater economic and strategic concessions while remaining hawkish on China.
The Philippines confirmed on Wednesday that Trump would fly in for the summit from November 16 to 18, before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Shenzhen that same week.
Trump’s second consecutive appearance at the forum signals continued US engagement despite his preference for one-on-one deals, analysts say. The timing of the trip ahead of an expected meeting with counterpart Xi Jinping in Shenzhen is also seen as a chance for the US to reassure regional partners of its commitment.
But they warn that renewed US tariff pressure and demands for closer alignment could push Association of Southeast Asian Nations members into competing bilateral deals that would undermine economic ties with both superpowers.