ASEAN-China-GCC Summit Launches Trilateral Global South Cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is attending the inaugural ASEAN-China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Malaysia, marking a significant step toward enhanced regional integration among these major economic entities that collectively represent nearly a quarter of global GDP and over 2.1 billion people. This trilateral cooperation reflects deep historical ties and aims to unlock economic potential and stabilize the global economy through Belt and Road initiatives. Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the United Nations as outdated and ineffective in the current multipolar world, emphasizing a shift towards flexible, interest-based alliances and the need for international institutions to evolve to reflect global realities. Jaishankar highlighted the rise of Asian economies and the transformation of global power dynamics since the 2008 financial crisis, noting that many countries feel excluded from decision-making in central international organizations. These developments underscore a broader movement towards multipolarity and regional cooperation as countries seek to adapt to changing geopolitical and economic landscapes.