Trump Heads to Asia After Midterm Defeat to Reassert US Global Influence
Democratic victories in both chambers of Congress raise questions over Washington’s foreign policy direction as Trump prepares for ASEAN and APEC summits
Donald Trump prepares for ASEAN and APEC summits after Democrats win control of Congress.
US President Donald Trump faces a new political challenge as he prepares for a major Asian diplomatic tour following his Republican Party’s heavy losses in the midterm elections.
Trump will attend the ASEAN summit in the Philippines before travelling to China for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The trip comes after Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3 elections.
The results have weakened Trump’s domestic political position and raised questions about how the change in congressional power could affect US relations with Asian countries.
However, Trump retains significant authority over foreign policy during the remaining two years of his presidency. Analysts say he could use international diplomacy to pursue major policy objectives and strengthen his political legacy.
Iran, Trade and China Dominate Regional Concerns
Asian governments are closely watching how Washington’s political shift could influence its approach to Iran, China and international trade.
China has described the US midterm elections as an internal affair. Beijing has also expressed its willingness to continue working with Washington despite the change in congressional control.
Joshua Kurlantzick, an expert on Southeast and South Asian affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations, said some Asian leaders privately welcomed the election results.
He noted that the Iran war had created difficulties for US allies and partners across Asia. These governments hope the political changes will encourage more predictable decisions from Washington on the conflict.
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Trump has said several times since the elections that renewed fighting between the United States and Iran is unlikely.
Meanwhile, Kurlantzick suggested that a Democratic-controlled Congress could adopt a tougher approach towards China. Such a shift could challenge what critics describe as the Trump administration’s softer approach to Beijing.
Asian economies are also watching US trade policy. Many depend heavily on exports and have faced the impact of Trump’s tariffs.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called on Congress to reassert its authority over US trade policy.
However, Democrats face constitutional and political limits. Trump retains broad executive powers over trade and can veto legislation passed by Congress.
Trump Expects Meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
Trump has signalled plans for high-profile diplomatic engagements during the APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18 and 19.
He told reporters that he expects to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said discussions could include denuclearisation and efforts to end the war in Iran.
Kurt Campbell, chair of The Asia Group and a former senior US diplomat, suggested that the meeting itself could carry considerable political significance.
He described the prospect as a case where “the meeting is the message”, highlighting the symbolic value of Trump appearing alongside two major world leaders.
The possibility of such a meeting has also raised concerns about the future of international security arrangements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned against what he called a “Yalta 2.0”. The phrase refers to the 1945 meetings in which Allied leaders discussed Europe’s post-war political order.
North Korea Could Feature in Trump’s Diplomatic Legacy
Victor Cha, a senior expert on geopolitics and Korean affairs at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said Trump’s midterm setback could increase his interest in major diplomatic initiatives.
Cha highlighted North Korea as a potential priority because Trump has personally invested significant political attention in the issue during both of his presidential terms.
He argued that the president plays a central role in shaping US policy towards North Korea.
Trump’s Asian tour will therefore provide an important opportunity to assess his diplomatic priorities after the midterm defeat.
Although Democrats will gain greater influence over domestic legislation and congressional oversight, Trump retains substantial powers on the international stage. The coming summits could reveal how he intends to use those powers during the final two years of his presidency.
