ASEAN Leaders Address US-China Tariff Impact, Regional Conflicts at Summit

Leaders of the 10-member ASEAN bloc convened in Malaysia for the 46th ASEAN Summit, focusing heavily on addressing the economic and geopolitical challenges posed by US President Donald Trump's tariff policies and the broader US-China trade tensions. The bloc expressed deep concern over the unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US, which threaten ASEAN's economic growth, stability, and integration, while reaffirming their commitment to the global free trade system. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chairing the summit, emphasized the need for ASEAN to diversify economic partnerships, strengthen ties with China, India, and the EU, and develop a collective action plan to mitigate the tariff impact. The summit also addressed pressing regional issues including Myanmar's civil war and maritime disputes in the South China Sea, with ASEAN striving to maintain neutrality amid superpower rivalries and to promote dialogue and regional stability. The meeting was followed by a summit with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, aiming to enhance trade and collaboration. Despite the challenges, ASEAN leaders underscored their intent to engage diplomatically with both the US and China to safeguard their economic and geopolitical interests.