Arriving in Malaysia on October 26 for the ASEAN Summit, President Trump joined Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in signing the Kuala Lumpur Agreement, which officially enshrines the ceasefire that Trump and Anwar helped broker in July.
“This began with America’s strong commitment to maintaining peace and stability — not only in this region, but wherever we can make a difference,” Trump said. “The U.S. acted immediately to prevent further escalation. Everyone was amazed at how fast we got it done.”
Analysts view the accord as part of Trump’s effort to project himself as a “peace architect.” The Cambodia–Thailand border conflict is one of eight disputes Trump has claimed to help resolve during his second term. Clashes between the two nations escalated on July 24 near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, leaving over 40 people dead and displacing hundreds of thousands.
As ASEAN’s 2025 chair, Malaysia had struggled to mediate a truce. Prime Minister Anwar held several phone calls with both leaders but failed to secure a ceasefire until Trump intervened on July 26, after the U.N. Security Council failed to pass a resolution urging peace.
Trump reportedly threatened to suspend trade talks with both countries unless they halted hostilities. Earlier in April, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 36% on Thai goods and 49% on Cambodian goods, later aligning both at 36% effective August 1 — prompting both nations to negotiate for reductions.
Chheang Vannarith, President of Cambodia’s National Assembly Advisory Council, told Al Jazeera that Trump’s mediation was “decisive.”
“He played a very influential role throughout the negotiation process,” Vannarith said.
At the October 26 signing ceremony, Trump remarked that he had fulfilled his promise to Anwar to visit Malaysia if he could help secure peace between Cambodia and Thailand. The U.S. president joked that he had been preparing to play golf in Scotland when the talks began.
“You made me miss a great round of golf,” Trump quipped to Hun Manet and Anutin. “But honestly, this brings me far greater joy — we’re saving lives and nations.”
As part of the peace accord, both Cambodia and Thailand signed new trade agreements with the U.S., reducing their tariff rate to 19% and granting duty-free access for selected goods.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Trump’s leadership:
“We admire your determination and courage. The world needs leaders who pursue peace with strength — even when it means breaking old conventions.”
According to Vannarith, the Kuala Lumpur Agreement represents “a positive and crucial step toward restoring peace and stability” in the region, though he urged the international community to monitor its implementation closely.
Phil Robertson, Asia director of the Asian Human Rights Council (AHRC), told DW that Trump’s participation also aligns with his pursuit of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Cambodia nominated Trump for the award in July, as the 2025 nomination window had already closed.
At the ceremony, Trump also expressed willingness to mediate the Afghanistan–Pakistan border conflict:
“I heard they’re fighting again, but I’ll solve it very quickly. I know both sides well. I don’t think I’ll need to intervene — but if I can save millions of lives, that’s something truly wonderful.”
This marks Trump’s first appearance at an ASEAN Summit since 2017. His limited participation during his first term had raised doubts about America’s regional commitment.
However, according to Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign policy and security analyst at the University of Malaya, Trump’s presence this year sends a strong signal:
“Trump’s attendance demonstrates that the U.S. is back — and ready to compete for influence in the region.”