Leaders of 10 Southeast Asia nations now began their first biannual meeting with an agenda likely to focus on trade and economic cooperation, and possibly on conflicts in Gaza and Myanmar.
On Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit with the participation of member nations’ leaders, as well as with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Gulf Cooperation Council nations’ leaders.
Several nations are now searching for new investment opportunities abroad to avoid the U.S.’ high import tariff. Some also send delegates to the U.S. in hope of convincing President Donald Trump. However, China warned partners not to make any deal that could affect its benefit.
ASEAN nations have made several moves to improve their trade condition. According to Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the group tried to push for an upgrade on the existing trade agreement between each other to lower tariffs in the region.
Some ASEAN’s members have strengthened their ties with China. A few weeks ago, President Xi Jinping made a visit to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia while not long after, China and ASEAN finalized a free trade pact that includes digital and green economies and SMEs. Furthermore, Indonesia joined the Brics group that nations like China led earlier this year.
Beside the topic on trade, ASEAN members also expected a discussion on the Myanmar civil war that PM Anwar previously mentioned in an interview. Additionally, the Malaysian leader has been pushing for a ceasefire and criticized Israel’s supporters in their Gaza military campaign.
However, Gregory Poling, director of U.S.’ Center for Strategic and International Studies, stated a low expectation as there is almost no evidence of any efforts or intervention from ASEAN regarding both conflicts.
