Trump Signs Ceasefire Agreement During Asia Trip
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — President Donald Trump commenced his trip to Asia on Sunday by overseeing the signing of an enhanced ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, a conflict he helped mediate earlier this year, reports BritPanorama.
The five-day border conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations in July resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. The agreement, termed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, was signed in the Malaysian capital, where negotiations took place in July.
At the signing ceremony, attended by the leaders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, Trump declared that the Thailand-Cambodia conflict was among the eight wars his administration had resolved since he assumed office in January. He stated, “On behalf of the United States, I’m proud to help settle this conflict and forge a future for the region.”
During the event, Trump reminisced about taking phone calls from the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers while visiting his Scottish golf course. “Turnberry is a great place, but I said this is much more important than playing a round of golf,” he commented, referring to the significance of the conflict resolution.
Trump acknowledged the recent death of Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, remarking on her embodiment of “dignity, kindness and grace.” Under the terms of the newly signed agreement, Thailand will release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, with observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) being deployed to monitor the ceasefire.
In his remarks, Trump thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the ASEAN chair, for facilitating the talks. Anwar reciprocated by expressing gratitude for Trump’s role in brokering the ceasefire. He emphasized, “The world needs leaders who promote peace strongly, and to achieve that you have to break some rules, as you did today.”
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also expressed appreciation for Trump’s “tireless efforts” in achieving the peace deal, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul remarked that the agreement would provide “the building blocks for a lasting peace.” Following the peace deal, Trump signed a reciprocal trade agreement with Cambodia and agreed on a framework for a similar agreement with Thailand. Thailand will eliminate tariff barriers on 99% of U.S. goods, while Cambodia will eliminate tariffs on all U.S. goods. The U.S. will maintain a 19% tariff rate on imports from both countries.
Additionally, Trump signed a trade agreement with Malaysia, which U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described as modifying tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Malaysia, like Thailand and Cambodia, is also subject to a 19% U.S. tariff rate.
Furthermore, Trump finalized deals with Malaysia and Thailand regarding critical minerals, which are essential for electronic devices and defense technologies. Securing alternative sources for these minerals has become urgent for the U.S., especially given China’s near-monopoly on production and processing.
While in Malaysia, Trump is set to participate in the annual ASEAN summit, marking his first attendance since only attending once during his first term as president. This engagement is viewed as a signal that the U.S. is reasserting its commitment to a region increasingly influenced by both China and the U.S.
Analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat noted that Trump’s presence at this year’s summit suggests, “the U.S. is back and is ready to provide strong countermeasures and deterrence against China in economic and security capacities.”
This diplomatic foray reflects ongoing complexities in U.S.-Asia relations amid evolving geopolitical tensions.
