Global leaders are preparing for a series of important diplomatic meetings across Asia in November, with discussions expected to focus on international trade, artificial intelligence, regional security and growing geopolitical tensions.
The major engagements include the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Manila, the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh and the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, China.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are scheduled for November 14–17 in Manila.
The main ASEAN leaders' summit opens on November 15.
Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Philippines from November 16 to 18.
Donald Trump will attend the ASEAN-US Special Summit on November 17.
Cambodia will host the 20th Francophonie Summit on November 15–16.
The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will take place in Shenzhen on November 18–19.
The ASEAN Summit and related meetings are scheduled from November 14 to 17, with the main leaders' summit opening on November 15. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will chair the gathering under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Philippines from November 16 to 18 to participate in ASEAN-related engagements. The meetings will provide an opportunity for India and Southeast Asian countries to discuss regional cooperation, economic partnerships and strategic developments.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the ASEAN-US Special Summit in Manila on November 17. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will participate in the ASEAN gathering as a Guest of the Chair.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The meetings come amid growing strategic competition, trade uncertainties and rapid technological developments. Discussions among ASEAN, APEC and their international partners could influence regional security, international supply chains, economic integration and future approaches to artificial intelligence.
The ASEAN meetings are expected to address several regional challenges, including the situation in Myanmar, economic cooperation and maritime security in the South China Sea.
Negotiations between ASEAN and China on a proposed South China Sea Code of Conduct remain an important issue. On November 12, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs official Dominic Xavier Imperial said approximately 70 per cent of the proposed agreement had been agreed upon. However, discussions on the remaining provisions are continuing, and the completion of negotiations remains uncertain.
The diplomatic focus will also extend to Cambodia, which is hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on November 15 and 16. The gathering will bring together representatives of French-speaking countries and governments to discuss international cooperation, multilateralism, peace and sustainable development.
Attention will subsequently turn to Shenzhen, where China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 18 and 19. The meeting will bring together representatives of the 21 APEC member economies to discuss economic cooperation, trade, connectivity and technological development.
Artificial intelligence is expected to feature prominently in the APEC discussions. The subject has gained importance following an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in September to establish a communication channel for discussing AI-related incidents.
Both countries face growing challenges involving the development and governance of artificial intelligence. While Trump has repeatedly dismissed concerns about existential risks from AI, Xi has emphasised the importance of ensuring that the technology remains under human control.
The proposed meeting between Trump, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin is another major diplomatic development attracting attention ahead of the APEC gathering. Discussions could involve nuclear arms control and international security, alongside the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the war involving Iran. However, a formal trilateral meeting has not been confirmed.
Russian President Putin is expected to be an important participant in the APEC gathering, while Trump and Carney are also expected to travel to Shenzhen. Their participation comes amid continuing international discussions on trade and strategic relations.
Trade will remain another major issue at both ASEAN and APEC. US tariffs, tensions between Washington and Beijing, restrictions involving strategic materials and concerns over global supply chains continue to complicate regional economic cooperation.
The existing pause in the US-China trade dispute has reduced some immediate tensions, but disagreements over rare-earth exports and broader trade policies remain. These issues could influence discussions on regional free-trade arrangements and economic integration.
The overlapping diplomatic engagements place Asia at the centre of several important international discussions. Their outcomes could influence regional partnerships, economic relations, technology cooperation and the wider geopolitical environment.
