Press Release: Southeast Asian Leaders Convene in Historic Summit with China and GCC
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a landmark event, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are gathering for their inaugural summit with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), aiming to fortify their trade-dependent economies against the backdrop of rising U.S. tariffs. The summit commenced on Tuesday, marking the second day of ASEAN’s annual meeting in the Malaysian capital.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim opened discussions by emphasizing the critical nature of enhanced ties between ASEAN and the GCC. He stated, “Stronger collaboration is essential for building resilience and achieving sustainable prosperity amid geopolitical challenges.” Anwar’s remarks reflected the ongoing global economic strain exacerbated by the U.S. imposition of unilateral tariffs, which poses risks to multilateralism.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, echoed the necessity of strengthening trade and investment relations among the three blocs. He remarked, “At a time when protectionism is on the rise, it is vital for us to uphold open regionalism and true multilateralism.”
The participation of high-profile GCC leaders, including Qatar’s Emir and crown princes from Kuwait and Bahrain, underscores the significance of this meeting for enhanced economic ties. Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride noted that ASEAN is actively exploring partnerships beyond traditional avenues, especially with China and the Middle East.
Discussions also touched upon a recent outreach from Anwar to U.S. President Donald Trump for an ASEAN-U.S. summit, highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to regional centrality. As countries navigate the complexities of global trade, this unprecedented summit marks a strategic move for Southeast Asian nations to diversify their economic links amid uncertainties with the U.S.
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