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Has the economy gotten better or worse during President Trump’s second term?

Food and gas prices are up, but so are 401(k) balances.

Has the economy gotten better or worse during President Trump’s second term?

President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Manila from November 16 to 18, followed by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Shenzhen. His second consecutive appearance at the forum highlights the United States' continued engagement in the region. Analysts note that Trump's attendance signals Washington's commitment to the area, despite his preference for bilateral deals.

The trip comes ahead of an anticipated meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Shenzhen, providing an opportunity to reassure regional partners of the US's dedication. However, the prospect of renewed US tariffs and demands for closer alignment could prompt Southeast Asian nations to form bilateral agreements, potentially weakening economic ties with both the US and China.

Joanne Lin, a senior fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, emphasizes that Trump's bilateral engagement contrasts with his preference for transactional diplomacy over multilateral institutions. For the Philippines, a close treaty ally of the US, the visit is expected to strengthen the country's position on various regional issues.

Julio Amador, CEO of Amador Research Services and visiting fellow at Perry World House, highlights the importance of the East Asia summit in addressing security concerns, as well as the Luzon Economic Corridor as a vital part of bilateral ties.

Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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Japan ex-volunteer soldier, 96, recalls being 'trained as an expendable'

ITOSHIMA, Fukuoka -- Former Imperial Japanese Navy volunteer Muneharu Yamaguchi, 96, recently spoke about the harsh training he underwent during World

  • 96-year-old Muneharu Yamaguchi recalls brutal WWII training as expendable soldier.
  • Trained to be suicide targets, endured beatings and harsh instruction.
  • Reflects on resilience of young recruits, calls for world without war.

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