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

Global leaders are convening in Asia for a series of high-stakes meetings that will address a range of critical issues. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is set to hold its final leaders summit in Manila, followed by a Francophonie summit in Phnom Penh, where French President Emmanuel Macron is attending. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference will take place in Shenzhen, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to be a significant presence, alongside India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will participate in both events. Analysts suggest that President Trump's recent electoral loss will not diminish his influence in the region. Key discussions at APEC are expected to revolve around artificial intelligence (AI), trade, and potential nuclear disarmament.

Despite Trump's skepticism regarding AI's potential threats, there is growing international pressure for cooperation on AI-related concerns such as bioweapons and cyberattacks. The proposed meeting between China's Xi Jinping, Trump, and Putin has generated considerable anticipation, but analysts caution that any agreement is unlikely to result in concrete actions.

Meanwhile, Asean's efforts to establish a South China Sea Code of Conduct have faced obstacles, with recent tensions between Philippine and Chinese naval forces casting doubt on the progress of this critical initiative.