President Trump’s visits to Asia marks the longest tour by a United States President since George H.W. Bush in 1992. Besides Japan, China, and South Korea, Trump will stop over in two ASEAN countries – Vietnam and the Philippines. According to his schedule, he will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Danang, Vietnam on 10-11 November 2017. This will be followed by his joining to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN and 40th Anniversary of the US-ASEAN Relations in Manila, the Philippines, on 12-13 13 November respectively.

For ASEAN watchers, Trump’s participation is great news as it can to some extent tame the region’s angst regarding the probability of US disengagement. The major diplomatic gatherings this month can provide an opportunity for Washington to repair the damage done by its withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which has tarnished its reputation and kept the Southeast Asian states doubt its continued involvement in the region.

…Kaewkamol Karen Pitakdumrongkit is Deputy Head & Assistant Professor at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.