Flattery Diplomacy: Asian Leaders Woo Trump with Praise, Gifts, and Grand Gestures
Asian leaders appear to have found the key to winning favour with U.S. President Donald Trump during his first trip to East and Southeast Asia since returning to the White House — lavish praise and ceremonial gestures.
Over the course of his five-day tour, which concluded on Thursday with a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump has been met with a steady stream of admiration and symbolic gifts from regional leaders seeking to strengthen ties and seal trade deals.
In Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hailed Trump’s “tenacity” and “courage” for brokering what he called the “almost impossible” ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praised Trump’s “peace efforts,” saying she was “impressed and inspired” by his diplomacy and had even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In South Korea, President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with a replica gold crown from the ancient Silla kingdom and the country’s highest state honour, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, during the APEC leaders’ summit in Gyeongju.
The gestures coincided with all three countries finalising trade agreements with the U.S. after months of negotiation. Even China, despite its often tense relationship with Washington, joined in the chorus of compliments — with Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling Trump and Xi “world-class leaders” who “respect each other.”
Analysts say the flattery reflects both cultural tradition and strategic calculation. “Asia has a long history and rich experience in dealing with kings and emperors,” said Henry Gao, a professor at Singapore Management University. “This tradition of showing respect and admiration toward leaders is deeply rooted in the region’s culture.”
The charm offensive underscores Trump’s reputation as a leader who responds strongly to personal praise — a trait noted even by his former allies. “He will always put his own interests and gratifying his own ego ahead of everything else,” former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr said in a 2023 interview with CBS News.
At home and abroad, it seems, Trump’s diplomatic interactions remain as much about ego management as geopolitics.
