Foreign leaders court Trump at Asia summits while lobbying the Democratic Congress
Summary
- President Trump travels to Manila for the East Asia Summit and to Shenzhen for APEC in the week of 15 November 2026, where he will meet Xi Jinping.
- Diplomats say foreign leaders see Trump as weakened by Republicans' historic November 2026 midterm losses and plan to court him in public while looking past him.
- Embassies in Washington plan to lobby the incoming Democratic Congress on limiting Trump's tariffs, restoring Ukraine support, and curbing his war powers.
- Trump has sealed trade deals with most Asian countries except India and Vietnam, and touts nearly $20 trillion in foreign investment pledges.
- Some Asian countries may slow-walk commitments made under trade and investment deals with the Trump administration, diplomats say.
Reactions
- White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump has effectively restored American strength on the global stage.
- White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said Trump can expect the usual red-carpet treatment in Manila and Shenzhen.
- Anonymous Asian diplomats said leaders no longer feel as intimidated by Trump and will deal with him cautiously while keeping their options open.
- Jonathan Czin of the Brookings Institution forecast China will mollify Trump and string him along to maintain the status quo.
- Kurt Tong of The Asia Group forecast Asian leaders will view Trump as somewhat weakened.
- Scot Marciel said Asian leaders may quietly and carefully wait Trump out where they felt pressure from him.
Timeline newest first
President Trump travels to Manila for the East Asia Summit and then to Shenzhen for APEC in the week of 15 November 2026, where he will meet Xi Jinping.
