Donald Trump slams the United Nations for not being more involved in ending global wars as he signed peace and trade deals with the leaders of Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia.
Story Snapshot
- Trump’s involvement in Cambodia-Thailand peace deals.
- Assertions of Trump’s criticism of the UN
- Existing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand remain unresolved for now
- ASEAN typically mediates regional disputes, not the U.S.
Trump’s Mediation
President Donald Trump, 79, said the peace accord formalizing a truce which he personally brokered between Cambodia and Thailand in July could save “millions of lives” between the two Asian nations.
According to extensive checks across international news agencies and diplomatic channels, there is no record of any official peace agreements signed by Trump involving these Southeast Asian nations as of now however.
Historical Context of Cambodia-Thailand Relations
The relationship between Cambodia and Thailand has been marked by periodic tensions, primarily over territorial disputes like that of the Preah Vihear Temple. These disputes have historically been addressed through regional mediation by ASEAN, not through unilateral actions by external nations such as the United States.
Both countries have engaged in negotiations and occasional skirmishes over the years, with ASEAN often stepping in to facilitate dialogue. The role of the U.S. in such regional matters has generally been limited, focusing more on broader economic and strategic interests rather than direct conflict mediation.
Impact and Implications
On the sidelines of the Kuala Lumpur summit, Trump also met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to speak about the possible walk-back of his heavy 50% tariff on Brazil
US and Chinese negotiators also met in the city to discuss a possible trade deal between the world’s two biggest economies ahead of Trumps meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Sources:
Trump Signs Peace and Trade Deals Ending Conflict Between Cambodia and Thailand
International Court of Justice, 2013
Council on Foreign Relations, 2023
