A three-way conference with China is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur with the goal of strengthening regional cooperation and boosting economic relations as a result of growing international confusion and rising US trade tensions. The summit brings together Chinese premier Li Qiang, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN), which is made up of 10 members. It is the first time the three events have met in this way, according to AP. Anwar Ibrahim, the summit’s opening speaker, praised the importance of strengthening ASEAN-GCC relations for fostering economic resilience and ensuring sustainable development. As we navigate an extremely complex global landscape, the ASEAN-GCC agreement, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, was ASEAN’s seventh-largest buying companion in 2023, with trade totaling$ 130.7 billion. Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah, the crown prince of Kuwait, noted that the conference builds on their first meeting last year in Riyadh, with the aim of approving cooperation to better deal with international crises. Despite rising tensions between the two countries, China’s leader Li Qiang’s appearance highlights its growing effect in Southeast Asia. Some nations continue to cooperate with both China and the United States. Six ASEAN nations, with tariffs ranging from 32 % to 49 %, were recently subject to US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements. Worries persist despite the announcement of a 90-day wait in April. Anwar has demanded a particular ASEAN conference with Trump to discuss the taxes. According to Universiti Malaya’s Collins Chong Yew Keat, ASEAN’s growing ties with China reflect a delicate harmony, while relying on US defence help. He warned that this pattern might cause China to reshape the place, which might make it even more influential. The union has remained largely negative, aiming to keep relationships with both major powers, despite overlapping territorial issues involving many ASEAN members and China.
