
US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the ASEAN summit in Manila from November 16 to 18, 2026, where he will push for tariff concessions and critical minerals agreements, while also attending the APEC summit in Shenzhen the same week, with analysts warning that hardline US demands could push Southeast Asian nations toward competing bilateral deals with China and the US.
AI-generated summary
Trump is returning to the ASEAN summit after his first appearance, signaling continued US engagement in the region despite his preference for bilateral deals. His visit precedes an expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shenzhen during the APEC summit week.
On the president’s list are supply-chain security, critical minerals, technology cooperation, AI and investment in the US, experts say
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Published: 8:00am, 18 Oct 2026
US President Donald Trump is expected to drive hard bargains on tariffs and critical minerals in his return to the Asean summit in Manila next month, with Washington seeking greater economic and strategic concessions while remaining hawkish on China.
The Philippines confirmed on Wednesday that Trump would fly in for the summit from November 16 to 18, before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Shenzhen that same week.
Trump’s second consecutive appearance at the forum signals continued US engagement despite his preference for one-on-one deals, analysts say. The timing of the trip ahead of an expected meeting with counterpart Xi Jinping in Shenzhen is also seen as a chance for the US to reassure regional partners of its commitment.
But they warn that renewed US tariff pressure and demands for closer alignment could push Association of Southeast Asian Nations members into competing bilateral deals that would undermine economic ties with both superpowers.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
ASEAN members will pursue individual bilateral agreements with both the US and China in response to competing demands.
Likely · Within months
The Trump-Xi meeting in Shenzhen will include discussions on trade imbalances and regional security concerns.
Possible · Within weeks

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