# Global Leaders Converge in Asia for High-Stakes AI and Trade Summits Regional summits in Manila and Shenzhen address critical security, trade, and technology policy challenges. - **Source:** [eNCA](https://www.enca.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5a38ebe0-5342-420b-a0e9-252e613a2ec3 ## Diplomatic Marathon Begins Global leaders are gathering in Asia for five days of intense negotiations across three major summits. The ASEAN summit in Manila and the Francophonie meeting in Phnom Penh precede the annual APEC conference in Shenzhen. Key figures include Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, and Mark Carney, all navigating complex geopolitical agendas. ## Xi-Trump-Putin Dynamics A potential meeting between Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin dominates the APEC agenda. While Trump focuses on nuclear disarmament and the conflict in Iran, analysts expect minimal concrete outcomes. Experts suggest the encounter will be largely symbolic, with leaders likely agreeing on broad principles without committing to follow-on actions. ## Artificial Intelligence Governance AI safety remains a priority following the September agreement between Washington and Beijing to establish a communication channel for incidents. Despite intense technological rivalry, shared concerns regarding bioweapons and infrastructure hacking drive calls for cooperation. Discussions aim to ensure human control over AI development, though experts remain skeptical of the actual implementation. ## Nvidia Scandal Complications The AI discourse faces an unexpected hurdle due to a spying scandal involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. US officials have accused Huang of maintaining a relationship with a woman allegedly working for Beijing. This controversy threatens to overshadow technical discussions at APEC, complicating the atmosphere for high-level diplomatic engagements regarding future technology. ## ASEAN Maritime Stagnation The Philippines concludes its ASEAN chairmanship without securing a South China Sea Code of Conduct with China. Persistent disputes and recent clashes between sailors have hindered progress throughout the year. Diplomats suggest the proposed code may have lost its relevance due to the extensive militarization of islands by both China and Vietnam. ## Trade War Persistence Regional free-trade frameworks remain stalled by ongoing US-China tensions and existing tariff policies. Although a trade war pause was extended until January 10, friction persists regarding Chinese rare-earth exports. Analysts note that tariff mechanisms remain under executive control, making significant shifts in US trade policy unlikely during these current summit meetings. ## Trump's Political Standing Despite a recent midterm election defeat, analysts argue that regional leaders do not view Donald Trump as a lame-duck president. With two years remaining in his term, he retains significant executive authority to influence international policy. This perception ensures that his presence at APEC and ASEAN remains a central focus for participants. ## Limited Breakthrough Expectations The summits serve as a platform for high-level posturing rather than definitive policy shifts. With North Korea rejecting overtures for talks and deep-seated maritime and trade disputes remaining unresolved, the meetings are unlikely to produce breakthroughs. Success will be measured by the ability to maintain communication channels amidst ongoing global geopolitical friction. ## Sources covering this story - [eNCA — Global Leaders Convene in Asia for High-Stakes Summits](https://www.enca.com/business/global-powers-head-asia-trade-ai-security-focus) - [Japan Today — Global Powers Convene in Asia for High-Stakes Diplomatic Summits](https://japantoday.com/category/politics/global-powers-head-to-asia-with-trade-ai-security-in-focus) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._