World leaders to attend ASEAN summit in Manila next week
Trump, Lula da Silva and Mark Carney are among leaders expected at the 49th ASEAN Leaders' Summit hosted by the Philippines from November 15 to 18.
KEY POINTS
- The 49th ASEAN Leaders' Summit will be held in Manila from November 15 to 18
- Donald Trump, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mark Carney will attend
- Lula's visit marks the first time he has visited Manila as both countries mark 80 years of diplomatic ties
- ASEAN and China have negotiated a South China Sea Code of Conduct for over two decades
- Angelina Jolie will speak at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on November 11
The Philippine government will host the 49th Leaders' Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila from November 15 to 18. The event brings together heads of state and government from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
United States President Donald Trump will attend the summit, nearly a decade after his first visit to the Philippines for the 31st ASEAN Summit in 2017. His attendance follows a midterm election defeat for Trump and the MAGA movement, leaving countries affected by his tariffs and trade policies uncertain about his next steps. Trump recently named hardliner Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff.
“It was time for the talks to progress and tackle the thorny issues that had been avoided.”
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will also join the summit upon an invitation from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Junior. This will be Lula's first visit to Manila as both countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations. Lula recently won a fourth term in office, defeating right-wing figure Flavio Bolsonaro.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend as well. Carney gained attention after a speech in Davos that criticized Trump and received a standing ovation. He has argued that the rules-based global order has ended and that middle powers should unite, a position Marcos expressed in 2024 at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
China remains a major focus of the discussions because ASEAN has been negotiating a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea with Beijing for more than two decades. At last year's summit, then-foreign secretary Enrique Manalo said it was time for the talks to move forward and address difficult issues that had been avoided.
Angelina Jolie is scheduled to speak at the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Manila on Wednesday, November 11. The Philippine government is also advising travelers to check a list of rescheduled and canceled flights affected by the main summit.
The summit takes place at a significant moment for global politics, with several major powers reassessing their international positions.
5 more sources below
COMMENTS (0)
No comments yet. Be the first.
RELATED STORIES
Ireland faces pressure over alumina shipments to Russia amid Ukraine war
European leaders meeting in Dublin urge Ireland to halt alumina exports that may support Russia's military production.
Spanish YouTubers condemn Vox after Abascal cancels Wild interview
Vox candidate Santiago Abascal withdrew from a planned interview with Jordi Wild, prompting criticism from fellow creators.
Manchester United Set to Appoint Mauricio Pochettino as New Manager
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to leave his role as USA head coach to take over at Manchester United, replacing Michael Carrick.
- Chile Freezes Fuel Prices Until February to End Trucker Strike
- PepsiCo to Cut About 1,000 North America Jobs as Regional Sales Lag
- Spain equates single-parent families with large families in new decree
- Argentina government pushes electoral reform in Senate ahead of November 30 deadline
- Education Minister Tekin Seeks Handshakes, Opposition Refuses During Budget Talks
This page was compiled with AI assistance from the outlets named above and passed an automated language check before publication. Montegre has no reporters of its own; the byline names the outlets the story was compiled from. Method and editorial standards