26.05.2025, Kuala Lumpur.
Leaders of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) intend to express deep concern over unilateral tariff measures at the 46th summit, which opened today in Kuala Lumpur, Kyodo News wrote on May 26.
“Indeed, we are currently witnessing a shift in the geopolitical order, and the global trading system is coming under further strain due to the recent imposition of unilateral tariffs by the United States. Protectionism is making a comeback, while multilateral cooperation is visibly deteriorating,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Alongside his expression of concern, Anwar Ibrahim also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with friendly partners at this time. In particular, he highlighted the significance of the first-ever summit involving ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the region’s largest economic partner—China.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Kuala Lumpur to participate in the 46th ASEAN summit.
The summit comes at a time when US tariffs on the 10 ASEAN member states – part of one of the world’s largest trade blocs – range from 10% to 49%.
Following US President Trump’s tariff announcements, ASEAN trade ministers held an online meeting in April, declaring that they would not take retaliatory measures against the United States.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
