President Donald Trump’s trip to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, in that order, was long on ceremony but not short on substance, which is promising regarding international relationships. The promising cooperative agreements reached are especially noteworthy given the tone of nationalism and confrontation so prominent in this administration.

Visiting Malaysia first, before moving on to the other countries, definitely reflects the steadily growing economic importance of Southeast Asia. That includes manufacturing powerhouse Vietnam. Japan and South Korea are more customary presidential stops.

In Kuala Lumpur, Trump signed several regional agreements, including a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand.

The visit to Malaysia involved elaborate ceremonies, including beautiful, symmetric

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