Please also read the previous article
Given the attendance of major powers such as President Donald Trump - United States, reps from China and Russia, the key topics agenda would likely be :
1. Trade, Economics and Supply Chain resilience
The U.S. and China are in trade talks on the sidelines. The U.S., under Trump, is threatening big tariff hikes on Chinese exports and seeking concessions; the China leadership sees ASEAN as a priority partner.
The ASEAN region is concerned about how U.S. tariffs and shifting global trade flows affect its export-and-manufacturing base.
China is pitching its upgraded “Free Trade Area 3.0” with ASEAN, emphasising digital economy, green economy, and production/supply-chain integration.
ASEAN is also seeking to expand partnerships beyond the traditional powers (e.g., Latin America, Africa) as host Malaysia emphasises “inclusivity and sustainability.”
2. Regional Security, Maritime Disputes and Neutrality
The summit will discuss the broadening power competition in the region: the narrowing of ASEAN’s “space for neutrality” as big-power rivalry deepens (trade, tech, security) was explicitly flagged by Malaysia’s foreign minister.
Maritime issues especially in the South China Sea and unresolved border or access disputes will be on the table.
Internal ASEAN conflict management remains a key focus particularly the recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. Malaysia has played a pivotal role in facilitating the ceasefire, a contribution publicly acknowledged and appreciated by President Trump. The summit is expected to witness the formal signing or endorsement of the ceasefire agreement or a broader peace framework.
3. ASEAN’s Internal Cohesion and External Partnerships
The 10 current ASEAN members plus the accession of Timor‑Leste as the 11th member will be formalised at this summit.
ASEAN is going to meet with “dialogue partners” (China, U.S., Russia, Japan etc) in separate sessions. It is not known if BRICS is going to be discussed.
The bloc is under pressure from multiple directions (economic, strategic) and must manage its collective identity and voice especially with members having differing alignments.
4. Big Power Diplomacy and the U.S. - China – Russia Axis
With Trump attending, the U.S. may signal a renewed high-level engagement in Southeast Asia and trying to shore up trade and security ties.
China will engage ASEAN pushing its economic agenda as well as its strategic footprint in the region.
Russia and some countries will have representation (though the head of state may not attend) and is part of the conversation, especially via its linkages to China and in broader regional security issues.
5. Other Cross-Cutting issues
Myanmar’s ongoing crisis remains a thorn in ASEAN’s unity and credibility; how the bloc deals with it will come up.
Technology, cyber security and supply-chain issues: China has urged the U.S. to stop cyber-attacks; ASEAN will be mindful of technological dependencies and the “new economy” challenges.
Environmental, “green economy” and “sustainability” framing (the theme of the summit is “Inclusivity and Sustainability”) though less emphasised in media, it provides an entry for ASEAN to project a positive agenda.
6. WHAT TO WATCH
- Trade deal/announcements: Will the U.S. (with Trump) clinch new trade arrangements with ASEAN-members or announce tariff/market-access concessions? Media say yes.
- China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 implementation: Will there be formal commitment, timeline or institutional mechanism announced around the upgraded China-ASEAN free trade area?
- Cease-fire or peace deal: Particularly the Thailand-Cambodia frontier conflict is expected to be addressed or formalised at the summit in presence of Trump via signing of Peace Deal.
- Gaza - although President Trump has mentioned the ceasefire, it remains uncertain how extensively the issue will be discussed during the summit, as Palestine continues to face attacks despite the declared truce.
- Language on big-power rivalry: Expect statements around strategic autonomy, neutrality or how ASEAN will engage U.S., China, Russia without being drawn fully into one camp. The “space for neutrality” comment is telling.
- Commitments on supply-chain/green economy: Possibly new mechanisms or commitments to diversify supply chains, strengthen green/digital economy cooperation across ASEAN + China partners.
- Membership expansion and institutional developments: Timor-Leste’s entry, perhaps proposals about expanding ASEAN’s partnership footprint, may get spotlight.
7. Implications for Malaysia and ASEAN
For Malaysia (host): It means being centre-stage in regional diplomacy, enhancing its role as mediator and regional convenor.
For ASEAN's credibility: It’s a test of how the bloc navigates big-power competition while keeping its centrality intact.
For business/investment: Outcomes in trade and supply-chains could open new opportunities (or risks) for Malaysian and regional companies.
For security and geopolitics: How ASEAN positions itself vis-a-vis strategic competition (U.S.–China–Russia) will influence regional alignments for years.
8. Conclusion
The 2025 ASEAN Summit stands as a pivotal moment for Southeast Asia a region navigating the complex intersection of global power rivalries, economic realignments, and enduring humanitarian crises.
With the presence of the United States under President Trump, alongside China and Russia, ASEAN faces the challenge of asserting its centrality while maintaining neutrality amid competing global interests.
Yet, within this delicate balance lies opportunity: to strengthen internal cohesion, champion sustainable and inclusive growth, and reaffirm ASEAN’s role as a stabilizing force in an uncertain world. Whether through renewed trade cooperation, conflict resolution, or humanitarian advocacy, the summit’s true test will be how effectively ASEAN transforms dialogue into decisive, collective action for the peace, prosperity, and resilience of the region and beyond.
At the same time, I sincerely hope that the peaceful protests surrounding President Trump’s visit to Malaysia will not be met with penalties or suppression. In a true democracy, the right to express dissent is fundamental provided it remains orderly and non-violent. Many Malaysians, including the opposition and silent citizens alike, deserve the space to voice their concerns. Such demonstrations should not be seen as acts of hostility, but rather as a necessary form of check and balance one that reflects the maturity, integrity, and strength of Malaysia’s democratic spirit.
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