How I read the recent news of Trump’s inaugural visit to Malaysia following his visit to Japan and Busan, South Korea

  

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AgNf2QSF8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Is US President Donald Trump’s strategy beginning to take clearer form? His recent trip to the East not only elevated Malaysia’s international standing, but also opened new avenues for strategic cooperation with Japan and China.

Besides Malaysia, Trump’s visit to Japan has also further strengthened US–Japan relations. The current Prime Minister, Tanae Sagaichi, is widely regarded as a protégé of Trump’s late golfing companion, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was tragically assassinated in 2022.

In China, both Trump and the Chinese president Xi Jinping struck a deal which has at least eased the tension that avert further trade wars between the two giants:

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/10/30/trump-says-xi-agreed-to-one-year-trade-deal-after-amazing-talks

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/27/business/us-china-trade-talk-malaysia-intl-hnk

My Observations 

As an observer, I see that Trump appears to grasp the nuances of “hot climate” cultures in the East far better than Bush or Biden ever did. 

In her book, Foreign to Familiar, Sarah Lanier gave an illustration of how, while most American journalists were complaining about the three long days of negotiations, the late President Jimmy Carter managed to strike a chord with the Arabs; as a result, Camp David Accords was signed.  

Carter's ability to resonate with the Arabs is matched by Trump's apparent strength in striking a good deal with Asia on behalf of the United States of America. 

This explains why the US President was able to immediately "connect" with Malaysians, the moment he stepped out of the US Air Force One. This was further facilitated by the host, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who received Trump as the ASEAN chairman for 2024-25.

Given the chorus of criticisms as expected following the ASEAN Summit, it is hard to fathom how the visit could have gone awry—especially considering the kind of reception figures like Bersatu vice-president Azmin Ali or MCA president Wee Ka Siong would likely have extended to Trump. Trump’s casual conduct would have been frowned upon, and viewed with great suspicion. 

In an earlier post, I have shared my observations that we have a prime minister who also understands the art of building bridges across cross cultural boundaries. 

His unique strength in understanding and appreciating different cultures that had helped him to bring two ASEAN neighbours at war to the negotiation table, has also accomplished for him and Malaysia what may have taken others years just to have Trump warming up to them. 

Even after his departure from Malaysia, Anwar continued to receive commendation from President Trump for elevating the country’s international standing, a far outcry of what former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad received from then US Vice President Al Gore.

After writing a review of Sarah Lanier’s book last year, as partial fulfilment of my doctoral programme, I can truly recommend her book. Lanier’s insights into cultural dynamics have also profoundly shaped my understanding of international relations.

https://www.foreigntofamiliar.com/products/digital-download-ebook

Since the book is available online, I highly recommend it—especially for those who are interested in diplomatic relations.

In my view, both Trump and PMX excel in the realm of international diplomacy. 

Trump, despite his occasional crudeness, seems to understand the value of disarming formality in favour of personal connection—something Asians deeply appreciate. 

We recognise sincerity, and we are willing to reciprocate for the sake of global peace.