Philippines rejects 'speculation' about Trump's lack of interest in ASEAN

Foreign secretary says U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia remains 'extensive'

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo told Nikkei Asia it was 'speculation' that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump and some of his key advisers were not interested in Southeast Asia (Photo by Norman Goh)

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

January 19, 2025 11:38 JST

LANGKAWI, Malaysia -- Claims that Donald Trump and key aides have little interest in Southeast Asia are "speculation", the Philippine Foreign Secretary has said in a bid to dampen anxiety in the region two days ahead of the American president-elect's return to the White House.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia, Enrique Manalo emphasized that American interests are "quite extensive" in the Indo-Pacific.