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ASEAN strengthens ties with China and Gulf states amid US tariff tensions
In an effort to safeguard their trade-dependent economies from escalating US tariffs, Southeast Asian leaders have launched their first-ever joint summit with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting is being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the second day of the annual ASEAN summit.
Malaysia, currently holding ASEAN’s chairmanship, is hosting leaders from the 10-nation bloc which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam alongside representatives from the GCC, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Opening the ASEAN-GCC summit, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two regional blocs to enhance cooperation, resilience, and sustainable prosperity. Anwar underscored that the evolving geopolitical environment and increased economic uncertainty demand closer partnerships. He highlighted recent US unilateral tariffs as a strain on the global trade system and warned of growing protectionism and the decline of multilateral cooperation.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, is participating in the tripartite summit. He held bilateral talks with Anwar and called for deeper trade and investment collaboration between China, ASEAN, and the GCC. Li stressed the need to uphold open regionalism and genuine multilateralism in the face of rising protectionist policies and sluggish global growth. He also expressed China’s willingness to boost economic engagement to confront shared global challenges.
ASEAN has consistently pursued a neutral stance between the US and China. However, recent tariff threats from former US President Donald Trump have affected ASEAN members, with six nations facing levies ranging from 32% to 49%. Although Trump introduced a 90-day suspension of tariffs in April and reached a temporary agreement with China, concerns remain among ASEAN members, pushing them to diversify their partnerships.
According to Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, ASEAN countries are actively seeking closer ties with regions like the Middle East and China to enhance their economic resilience. The importance of the GCC’s participation is reflected in the high-level delegation, including Qatar’s Emir, crown princes from Kuwait and Bahrain, and Oman’s deputy prime minister.
Prime Minister Anwar also revealed he had invited Trump to an ASEAN-US summit this year to reinforce the bloc’s central role in regional diplomacy. However, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan noted that the US had not yet responded.
Analysts say ASEAN has long functioned as a bridge between major global powers. With increasing unpredictability in its economic relationship with the US, the bloc is moving toward broader engagement. Malaysia is playing a key role in pushing this new strategic direction, while China, facing the brunt of US tariffs, is seizing the moment to reaffirm its position as a trustworthy partner. Premier Li’s visit is seen as a calculated effort to deepen economic ties and counter Western moves toward economic decoupling