The 46th ASEAN Summit has commenced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where leaders from the Southeast Asian nations are gathered to deliberate on critical regional and global matters. The agenda includes US tariffs, the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, and maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The summit is being presided over by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who highlighted the current geopolitical transition and the challenges to the global trading system.
In his opening remarks, Anwar expressed concern over the resurgence of protectionism due to recent unilateral tariff actions imposed by the US, affecting ASEAN countries with tariffs ranging from 10% to 49%. He disclosed that he has reached out to US President Donald Trump, proposing an ASEAN-US summit to tackle these tariff issues. The situation remains precarious but was eased slightly when Trump announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, allowing ASEAN nations to engage in discussions with the US.
Emphasizing the need for a cooperative approach, Anwar noted that ASEAN’s prosperity historically relies on inclusivity, the rule of law, and open trade, all of which are now facing threats. He declared his belief in ASEAN’s resilience and its ability to navigate through the geopolitical tensions arising from the actions of significant powers, asserting that the bloc can withstand the challenges to its stability and prosperity.
The summit also aims to strengthen collaborations with key partners. A noteworthy event is the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC summit, which aims to enhance economic ties between ASEAN and its largest trading partner, China, along with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Other significant interactions at the summit include discussions with representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, ASEAN Youth, and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.
A key highlight of the summit is the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future,” which outlines the bloc’s long-term vision and shared goals. ASEAN comprises ten member states: Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia, with Malaysia currently holding the rotating chairmanship, which will continue into 2025.
The outcomes of this summit are pivotal not just for ASEAN member states but also for the broader geopolitical landscape, as they seek to address pressing issues that could impact regional stability and economic prospects.
