Trump commits to Asia-Pacific summits in November

At ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta yesterday, US Vice President Pence announced that Trump will be attending the ASEAN, APEC and East Asia summits in the Philippines and Vietnam in November.

Southeast Asia had until now been overlooked by the new US administration. This is therefore a good sign for the region that the US will continue Obama’s commitments. With Trump confirmed, the regional summits are also now likely to attract more foreign leaders and attention.

Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country that Pence is visiting on his first Asia tour as Vice President. He has visited South Korea amid security concerns and Japan after Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump. He will finish his 10-day tour in Australia.