Global powers head to Asia with trade, AI, security in focus

ASEAN leaders gathered in Manila on November 15 for the final summit of the year, drawing global attention due to the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the United States. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, trade, and potential nuclear disarmament. French President Emmanuel Macron attended a separate Francophonie summit in Phnom Penh.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference followed in Shenzhen. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump were anticipated to play significant roles at APEC, while India's Modi attended the ASEAN gathering. Analysts suggested that despite US President Trump's recent electoral loss, his continued presence in the region would not diminish his influence.

Talks on AI received particular emphasis, as both Xi and Trump pledged to establish a communication channel for addressing AI-related incidents. The prospect of a high-level meeting between Trump, Xi and Putin generated considerable interest, though experts warned that concrete commitments were unlikely. In Manila, the Philippines' leadership of ASEAN faced challenges, including a failed attempt to sign a South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) with China.

The ongoing territorial dispute between China and Vietnam tempered expectations for agreements. Trade negotiations at both ASEAN and APEC faced obstacles, primarily due to China-US tensions and the Trump administration's tariff policies. Nevertheless, experts emphasized that any progress in these areas would likely depend on political developments in Washington.