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On October 26, 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, U.S. President Donald Trump jointly signed an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, formalizing a truce previously negotiated in July 2025 following deadly border clashes that left at least 43 to 48 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The ceremony, presided over by Trump along with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim; Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul; and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, marked the start of Trump’s six-day Asia tour.
The ceremony included provisions for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, the demilitarization of the 800 km disputed border (removing heavy weapons and landmines), and the deployment of Malaysian troops as monitors.
Trump presented the event as a US-led initiative to “achieve peace,” against a backdrop of the US insignia.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts.
Trump’s attendance coincided with the signing of six trade agreements within hours of his arrival, focusing on critical minerals, agriculture, energy, and aviation.
These agreements reduced threatened US tariffs on the countries involved from as much as 49% to 19-20%, in exchange for market access and purchases.
The ceremony projected an image for Trump as a “peacemaker,” in contrast to his “America First” approach based on excessive tariffs, but also drew scrutiny for linking diplomacy with economic pressure
Trump’s participation amplified the event’s visibility and lent American prestige to the resolution, reinforcing US influence in Southeast Asia amid competition with China.
The signing elevated Trump’s global stature, with leaders praising it as “historic” and a model of reconciliation. It built on Trump’s July intervention, which used tariff threats to halt clashes over disputed territories, such as the Preah Vihear temple area (based on a 1907 French colonial treaty).
Reactions were overwhelmingly positive from the parties involved, although experts noted that it addressed symptoms rather than core territorial issues.
The related trade agreements secured US access to strategic resources and markets, countering China’s dominance in rare earths and minerals.
For example, Thailand pledged to invest $2.6 billion annually in US agricultural purchases and $18.8 billion in aircraft; Malaysia pledged $3.4 billion in LNG and the elimination of mineral export restrictions.
The short-term de-escalation reduced border risks, as both sides agreed to cease hostilities and strengthen ties. Furthermore, a US-China trade framework was reached at the summit, avoiding the immediate imposition of 100% US tariffs on Chinese goods and delaying China’s rare earth export controls, signaling an easing of tensions ahead of Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping.
The social media buzz surrounding X reflected the enthusiasm of his followers, with posts hailing it as “historic” and linking it to broader achievements in Asia, such as soybean purchases from China. However, some highlighted the “dance” of Trump’s arrival as a lighthearted contrast to the seriousness of the matter.
The implications of the event encompass positive stabilization, economic changes, and persistent challenges, with consequences unfolding in real time given its recent occurrence (as of October 26, 2025).
It could prevent further clashes in a volatile border area, facilitating economic cooperation within ASEAN. Malaysian surveillance (if implemented) would strengthen trust, although troops have not yet been deployed.
In the long term, it could foster dialogue on the demarcation, reducing displacement and fortification in affected villages.
Strategic US gains by strengthening supply chains for critical minerals (e.g., from Malaysia and Thailand), reducing dependence on China.
Trade commitments inject billions of dollars into US sectors such as agriculture and aviation, while the framework with China promotes cooperation on fentanyl and eases shipping duties, which could stabilize global markets and the cryptocurrency boom (the price of Bitcoin and Ethereum rose after the announcement).
Countering China’s regional influence by deepening US-ASEAN ties, experts consider this a “substantial” measure to de-escalate tensions ahead of the Trump-Xi talks.
Obstacles to implementation, as post-July violations (allegations of rocket launches) persist, and landmine clearance remains complex.
Critics argue that the agreement lacks a binding border resolution, which puts its fragility at risk.
The agreements were linked to tariff threats, considered “blackmail” that undermine ASEAN’s unity and equal treatment.
The net benefits of Malaysia’s concessions (e.g., $70 billion in investments) are questioned, which could affect regional economies.
Trump’s 10% tariff increase on Canada sparked outrage, highlighting the inconsistency of his policies.
While talks between the United States and China have cooled, the lack of an agreement could lead to an all-out trade war. In Thailand and Cambodia, locals see it as a “first step” but worry that US influence will foster dependency.
Criticism emerged from analysts and X users, who described it as “mixed” diplomacy: Trump’s record includes eight so-called “war endings,” but pressure tactics risk alienating his allies. One X post called the tariffs “destabilizing,” increasing China’s influence while its partners “pay the price.”
Trump’s attendance at the ceasefire ceremony represents a tactical diplomatic coup, combining peacemaking with economic influence to project US strength in Asia, successfully launching his tour with tangible victories such as border stabilization and access to minerals.
This underscores his unconventional style. He emphasizes high-risk interventions that produce quick results, but sustainability depends on follow-through (e.g., the Malaysia deployment, the comprehensive agreement with China).
For Southeast Asia, it is a positive weak point amid unresolved disputes, which could foster peace if combined with genuine demarcation efforts.
Critics rightly warn of the long-term costs of coercion, which could erode trust and amplify China’s soft power.
Overall, the event leans toward a net benefit to US interests, but its legacy depends on avoiding trade escalations in the coming weeks.
With Trump’s visit to Japan and South Korea, this sets a precedent for “negotiation” diplomacy that prioritizes image and results over multilateral harmony.
