World leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are convening in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN summit, focusing on pressing issues such as the Cambodian-Thai border conflict and US trade tariffs. The summit also marks East Timor’s induction as ASEAN’s 11th member, while Myanmar’s absence highlights its ongoing civil war and regional instability. Key discussions will revolve around the impact of US tariffs on ASEAN economies and China’s export restrictions on rare earths, crucial for high-tech industries. Critics question the effectiveness of ASEAN’s diplomatic mechanisms, suggesting that the summit may primarily serve as a platform for high-profile photo opportunities rather than substantive policy resolutions, reflecting the challenges of multilateral cooperation in addressing regional security concerns.