United States President Donald Trump is planning to attend the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, although the visit has not yet been officially confirmed.
Potential engagement in Southeast Asia
The ASEAN summit is scheduled to take place in Manila from November 16 to 18.
South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the White House is discussing plans for Trump to attend the gathering, while Agenzia Nova said the administration is considering a trip to Manila.
If the visit proceeds, it would mark Trump’s second consecutive appearance at an ASEAN summit during his current term, following his attendance in Kuala Lumpur last year.
Reports also said the White House is also considering a bilateral meeting between Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the day after the summit.
The potential Manila stop would come as Washington seeks to maintain its engagement with Southeast Asia amid competition with Beijing for influence in the region.
US-Philippines ties, regional tensions
The potential visit comes amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea.
Agenzia Nova reported that the tensions have followed repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed waterway.
China claims most of the South China Sea, while several ASEAN member states, particularly the Philippines, have competing claims.
A Manila visit would also provide an opportunity for Trump to re-affirm US engagement with the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
One source cited by Agenzia Nova said the visit would help reassure regional allies of Washington’s continued support and commitment.
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Broader regional engagement
Trump’s potential attendance would come during the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship of ASEAN.
The Philippines is hosting ASEAN’s major meetings throughout the year, including the 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits scheduled for November.
ASEAN officials have confirmed that preparations for the November summit are underway in Manila.
The potential trip would also mark Trump’s return to the Philippines after his previous visit to Manila for the ASEAN summit in 2017.
The members of ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
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