Trump Signs ‘Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords’ in Surprise Deal

Key Insights:

• Trump mediates ceasefire ending deadly Cambodia–Thailand clash; 18 soldiers to be released.
• U.S. signs trade pacts with Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia—tariff changes and minerals included.
• ASEAN Summit marks U.S. return to Southeast Asia diplomacy under Trump’s renewed foreign focus.

President Donald Trump opened his Asia trip by witnessing the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. The event took place in Kuala Lumpur, where talks were held following a border clash in July that left dozens dead and forced thousands to evacuate.

The signing ceremony included the leaders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Under the agreement, Thailand will release 18 Cambodian soldiers, and ASEAN will send observers to monitor the ceasefire. The deal ends a short but deadly military confrontation between the two neighbors.

Trump Describes Personal Role in the Peace Talks

Trump said he spoke with both governments during the conflict and was involved in moving talks forward. “Turnberry is a great place, but I said this is much more important than playing a round of golf,” he said, recalling the day he stayed off the course to focus on phone calls with both sides.

Speaking at the event, he stated, “On behalf of the United States, I’m proud to help settle this conflict and forge a future for the region.” Trump described the agreement as one of several peace efforts he has supported since returning to office.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged Trump’s role in the process, saying, “The world needs leaders who promote peace strongly, and to achieve that you have to break some rules, as you did today.”

Trade Agreements Follow Peace Deal

Shortly after the peace agreement was signed, Trump announced new trade deals with Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Cambodia will remove tariffs on all U.S. goods, and Thailand will lift tariffs on 99% of American imports. The U.S. will keep a 19% tariff rate on goods from both countries.

A separate deal with Malaysia will include changes to tariffs and non-tariff barriers. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the agreement would adjust market terms to support American access. These moves follow earlier pressure from Washington for regional trade reform.

Critical Minerals and ASEAN Summit Engagement

Trump also signed cooperation agreements with Malaysia and Thailand covering critical minerals, which are used in defense and electronics. The U.S. continues to seek alternatives to Chinese supply as part of broader trade policy goals.

Trump is attending the ASEAN Summit while in Kuala Lumpur. The summit welcomed East Timor as its newest member. His attendance comes after skipping most ASEAN meetings during his previous term. Analysts say Washington’s presence now signals renewed attention to Southeast Asia.