HOST DIPLOMACY
When used well, the power of “host diplomacy” can be an effective way to showcase Malaysia’s strengths and offerings to the world. The ASEAN Summit guest list symbolises its stature; an inclusive one shows its values.
First, if Malaysia could act as a negotiating ground for better trade ties between US and China and the rest of the world, it would finish its chairmanship with high credibility. Mr Trump has spoken confidently of an in-person meeting with Mr Xi, but that has not happened yet, pointing towards continued tensions.
If Mr Trump meets with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Kuala Lumpur on trade and the economy and show some signs of thawing of bilateral relations, it would be a major optics success.
Second, bilateral meetings between key leaders could further ease tensions, especially if they are with the US.
Third, if ASEAN could walk away collectively knowing that they are on Mr Trump’s good books, member states could feel more assured by Malaysia’s regional leadership.
All of this would undoubtedly build on Mr Anwar’s most significant regional victory of his ASEAN chair term – brokering a truce in the deadly Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. The picture of Mr Anwar clasping the hands of Thailand and Cambodia’s leaders in unity at the end of the press conference was a strong one.
Mr Anwar’s efforts in facilitating the deal could arguably be the reason why Mr Trump agreed to visit Malaysia. According to Malaysian media, Mr Trump called Mr Anwar’s efforts a “fantastic job”. Shortly after the phone call between the two leaders, Mr Anwar told Parliament that the US president had agreed to attend the ASEAN Summit. In late September, Mr Trump once again praised Mr Anwar’s efforts, during US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s visit to Malaysia.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/malaysia-asean-summit-trump-us-china-5391821
