“We Made the Impossible Possible,” Says Trump After Historic Signing Ceremony
KUALA LUMPUR — Trump ASEAN Summit: U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Sunday to attend the ASEAN Summit 2025, marking his first appearance at the regional forum since 2017. Within hours of landing in Kuala Lumpur, Trump oversaw the signing of a historic peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, calling it “a moment when the impossible became possible.”
TRUMP DANCE — MALAYSIA EDITION! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/HLyCVaCndh
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 26, 2025
The U.S. leader was greeted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with a red-carpet welcome at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. To the delight of onlookers, Trump joined local artists in a traditional Malaysian dance, a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
.@POTUS participates in a family photo with leaders at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia pic.twitter.com/xGxpgmlp4e
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 26, 2025
A Historic Peace Between Thailand and Cambodia
The peace accord comes after months of tension between Thailand and Cambodia, whose border conflict in July had resulted in five days of violent clashes, killing 48 people and displacing thousands. Trump, during his remarks, said the United States played a “pivotal role in facilitating dialogue” between the two nations.
“We have achieved something people said could never happen,” Trump declared. “Two great nations that were once divided have now chosen peace. I congratulate these brave leaders for their courage.”
The agreement, signed in the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, includes commitments to release 18 Cambodian soldiers detained during the border dispute, reopen trade routes, and establish a joint peace commission.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul stated, “Since the ceasefire in July, we have made remarkable progress. This agreement marks an essential step toward lasting peace.”
Trump’s Message: ‘Peace Is Profitable’
Trump emphasized that peace in Southeast Asia could unlock major economic growth and stability in the region. “Where there is peace, there is prosperity,” he said. “This agreement is not just about ending a border conflict — it’s about creating a future for trade, tourism, and regional strength.”
The peace accord, brokered under the umbrella of the ASEAN Summit, is being viewed as one of the most significant diplomatic successes in recent years, especially given the complex history between the two nations.
U.S.–Thailand Trade Deal: 99% Tariffs to Be Removed
Alongside the peace initiative, Trump announced that the United States and Thailand had finalized the framework for a major bilateral trade deal that will eliminate 99% of tariffs on Thai products exported to the U.S. The move, Trump said, will “strengthen supply chains and enhance economic cooperation.”
According to a joint statement from the White House, Thailand will retain a 19% tariff on select U.S. goods but remove duties on nearly all other imports from America. The deal also covers environmental standards, labor compliance, digital trade, and intellectual property cooperation.
Thailand, in return, has agreed to purchase $2.6 billion worth of U.S. agricultural goods, $5.4 billion in energy imports, and 80 U.S.-made aircraft worth $18.8 billion annually. The two nations also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on critical minerals cooperation to secure supply chains and support clean-energy industries.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul said both countries aim to finalize the trade pact before the end of this year.
U.S. to Forge Economic Pacts with Cambodia and Thailand
President Trump further revealed that Washington is preparing to sign large-scale economic agreements with both Cambodia and Thailand.
“We’re finalizing a major trade deal with Cambodia and a significant minerals agreement with Thailand,” Trump stated. “As long as these two nations stay peaceful, the United States will maintain strong trade and cooperation with them.”
He hinted that upcoming visits to other Asian countries will also focus on trade, not conflict. “We’re going to a few more countries — we’ll talk trade, not war,” he added.
Trump: “These Leaders Genuinely Respect Each Other”
Trump expressed surprise and admiration for the mutual respect shown between Thailand and Cambodia during the peace process. “What’s special here is that these two leaders truly like each other,” he said. “Usually, when I broker deals like this, there’s a lot of hostility involved.”
Drawing a comparison with the tense relations between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump said, “This is different — there’s genuine goodwill here.”
ASEAN Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Malaysia
The 11th ASEAN Summit began Sunday in Kuala Lumpur with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” Delegates from ten Southeast Asian nations gathered to discuss cooperation in trade, education, security, and cultural exchange.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is attending on behalf of New Delhi, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi opted to participate virtually. The summit’s agenda also includes reviewing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and adopting a new Vision 2045 Blueprint, which will guide the organization’s priorities for the next two decades.
Malaysia, as this year’s host, has emphasized strengthening ASEAN’s central role in global diplomacy, advancing digital transformation, reducing inequality, and addressing climate change.
Tight Security and Massive Media Presence
More than 3,000 journalists from around the world are covering the ASEAN Summit. Security in Kuala Lumpur has been tightened, with thousands of police officers deployed across key venues. Several roads and metro stations have been closed, and drones and helicopters are patrolling the airspace.
Over the next three days, more than 30 world leaders, including Trump, will attend high-level meetings and bilateral talks.
Anwar Ibrahim Calls for Unity Among ASEAN Nations
In his opening address, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged all member states to remain united amid global uncertainty.
“As the world changes rapidly, our strength lies in solidarity and shared purpose,” Ibrahim said. “ASEAN’s adaptability is its greatest asset — we must evolve together.”
His remarks were seen as a subtle message to regional powers to cooperate despite geopolitical tensions and growing economic competition.
Trump’s Complicated Relationship with India
While Trump was being praised for his Southeast Asia diplomacy, several recent actions have raised eyebrows in New Delhi. Here are five instances where Trump’s policies have strained ties with India:
- Deportation of Indian Immigrants:
In February 2025, hundreds of undocumented Indian immigrants were deported from the U.S., some in handcuffs — a move that drew criticism for its “humiliating” nature. - Claiming Credit for India–Pakistan Ceasefire:
In May 2025, Trump publicly claimed he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, repeating the statement over 40 times despite India clarifying that it was a bilateral outcome. - Meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief:
Trump hosted Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House, the first such meeting in history. India rejected any foreign mediation in its bilateral matters with Pakistan. - Historic Tariffs on India:
In August 2025, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, later raising it to 50% over oil trade with Russia — the highest in U.S.–India history. - Stricter Visa Policies:
In September 2025, new restrictions on H-1B visas hit Indian IT professionals hard, raising concerns for Indian firms operating in the U.S.
Trump’s ASEAN Schedule and Upcoming Visits
Trump’s official schedule in Malaysia includes a bilateral meeting with PM Anwar Ibrahim at 11 a.m., followed by the Thailand–Cambodia peace signing ceremony and later a working dinner with ASEAN leaders.
He will become only the third U.S. president to visit Malaysia, following Barack Obama (2014, 2015) and Lyndon B. Johnson (1966).
After wrapping up his Malaysia trip, Trump will head to Japan on Monday to meet newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Both leaders are expected to discuss trade, defense spending, and technology investments. Takaichi confirmed a “warm phone conversation” with Trump last week and expressed her desire to “take U.S.–Japan relations to new heights.”
ASEAN Vision 2045: A Blueprint for the Future
As the ASEAN Summit 2025 continues, leaders are expected to endorse ASEAN Vision 2045, focusing on digital growth, climate resilience, inclusive development, and regional stability. The initiative aims to make ASEAN a “future-ready community” by promoting green technologies, innovation, and cross-border cooperation.
Trump praised Malaysia’s leadership for organizing “one of the most successful ASEAN summits in history” and said the peace deal he helped broker would “inspire the world.”
Conclusion: Trump’s Return to the Global Stage
The Trump ASEAN Summit has not only marked the U.S. president’s return to multilateral diplomacy but also positioned him as a key player in Asia’s evolving geopolitical balance. His hands-on involvement in brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia, along with new trade and security initiatives, signals a renewed American engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
As Trump continues his Asia tour — next stop, Japan — global attention will remain fixed on whether his unorthodox diplomacy can sustain the momentum of peace, trade, and cooperation that began in Kuala Lumpur.
