Trade war dominates ASEAN summit ahead of Trump's arrival

Trade tensions and regional security dominated the ASEAN summit in Manila on Sunday (November 15), as Southeast Asian leaders explored stronger economic partnerships ahead of US President Donald Trump's scheduled visit on Tuesday.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said US tariffs had prompted his country to diversify trade partnerships, with trade with Indonesia and Vietnam rising 15 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also highlighted efforts to strengthen trade ties with the Philippines and ASEAN to reduce dependence on the United States.

Meanwhile, nearly 20,000 police officers were deployed across Metro Manila. Around 200 protesters clashed with police during an anti-Trump demonstration on Sunday, with at least three detained, AFP reported.

ASEAN leaders also called for calibrated engagement with Myanmar but linked normalisation to progress on the bloc's five-point peace plan. Talks on a long-awaited South China Sea Code of Conduct remain unfinished, with Singapore expected to continue negotiations when it takes over the bloc's chairmanship in 2027.