Kuala Lampur, Aug. 3 -- President Donald Trump's expected appearance at the East Asia Summit (EAS) should not be misread as a mere diplomatic formality or ceremonial visit. It should be welcomed for what it could become: a turning point in US-Asean relations that restores a degree of strategic stability between Washington, Beijing, and the eleven member states of Asean.

At a time when the region stands delicately between escalating rivalry and renewed economic convergence, Trump's personal participation - after years of inconsistent US attendance at high-level Asean meetings - signals a potential inflection.

This year's summit carries additional weight. It coincides with Asean's historic expansion to include Timor-Leste, the first new m...