U.S. President Donald Trump’s extra day of participation at a major Southeast Asian nations’ leadership event next week will help lift his image among counties where officials are unsure about what he plans to do in a region that’s increasingly dominated by China, analysts say.

Trump will extend his stay in Manila through Nov. 14 for the East Asia Summit, according to news reports from Washington. That event brings together 18 heavyweight leaders from the region of more than 4.5 billion people, including heads of state from China, Japan and Russia.

Analysts say the appearance will send a message that Washington cares, at least symbolically, about Asia.

… China now beats other potential benefactors in offering highways, railroads and electricity plants in the region, said Alan Chong, associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. Beijing may expect those countries in return to allow passage of Chinese naval vessels, he said.