Trump's planned no-show at key summit signals lack of interest in Asia

THE month of November is just around the corner, and that usually means it's time for many of the world's leaders to gather for back-to-back annual multi-lateral summits.

The first is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, which will be held in the Vietnamese city of Da Nang. Many of the world leaders attending that event will then fly direct to the Philippines for the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) meetings.

All eyes are, understandably, on US President Donald Trump, as he prepares to embark on what will be his longest overseas trip since taking office in January. He is scheduled to make a five-nation trip that begins in Hawaii on Nov 3 and will culminate with the summits in Vietnam and the Philippines.