World leaders convened in Malaysia on Monday to discuss strategies for strengthening economic and trade ties amid renewed tensions over impending US tariffs.
The meeting followed President Donald Trump’s early departure from the ASEAN summit, after he oversaw several regional trade deals and a ceasefire pact between Cambodia and Thailand.
While the agreements left existing tariffs intact, they signaled Washington’s intent to remain a “strong partner” for Southeast Asia.
At the summit, China pushed for multilateral trade cooperation through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), covering 30% of global GDP, while European leaders raised concerns over China’s export controls on critical materials.
Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said his talks with Trump promised improved trade relations, despite ongoing tariff disputes.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 28, 2025
