Trump to press Southeast Asia nations to join Pax Silica at Asean summit in Manila

At the upcoming Asean summit in Manila, President Donald Trump is set to advocate for Southeast Asian nations to join his initiative, Pax Silica, aimed at fortifying AI and chip supply chains against Chinese influence. This marks his first overseas trip post the midterm election setbacks for his party. By focusing on artificial intelligence and critical minerals, Trump seeks to bolster regional autonomy and security, underscoring the strategic importance of the supply chain in global tech dominance. This push highlights the broader geopolitical tensions and the U.S.'s efforts to secure its technological future against China's growing influence.