By not choosing sides, Malaysia adds voice to a multipolar world
In times of geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, relying on pragmatism and taking an independent path in the face of such adversity can be a useful approach to navigating the turmoil. It was, therefore, good to see a healthy dose of both, and pledges for stronger trade and investment ties, emerging at the Post's China conference in Kuala Lumpur this week.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the 'China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025' that Asean and China cooperation must be driven by strategic technological collaboration, sustainable growth and human capital development to take advantage of AI and the digital economy. Asean also must transition to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, he said. Malaysia, wisely, is not choosing sides in a superpower rivalry marked by US tariffs on China since US President Donald Trump took office last month. 'Asean must move beyond reacting to global shifts. We must lead,' he said.
Against the backdrop, Anwar sounded the voice of reason, rejecting 'economic coercion and unilateral actions' that undermine stability in favour of a rules-based multilateral system. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz reinforced the message, saying the country was committed to stronger investment ties with Hong Kong and the mainland despite the US tensions, and reiterated Malaysia was independent in its foreign policy.
The opportunities for China, including Hong Kong, and Asean are manifold. Anwar this year chairs the 10-member grouping, whose burgeoning growth and hi-tech prowess has lifted it to the world's fifth-largest economy after the US, China, Germany and Japan. Asean overtook the EU as mainland China's top trading partner in 2020, and is Hong Kong's second largest. President Xi Jinping is overhauling the economy from a traditional one relying on real estate and low-end manufacturing to one driven by technology and high-quality sectors.
To that end, former chief executive and current state leader Leung Chun-ying said Hong Kong could leverage its 'superconnector' status and share mainland China expertise with Asean economies. Due to the geopolitical tensions, Hong Kong has sought to attract investment and business from markets like Asean, the Middle East and Latin America.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok told the audience that the common law system and governance under the 'one country, two systems' principle would be retained indefinitely, yet another reason for deeper collaboration. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong would open a trade office in Kuala Lumpur soon. Not choosing sides and forging new partnerships in a turbulent geopolitical world is eminently sensible. Together Asean and China can leverage this superconnector city to bolster relations for trade, business, legal, technology and sustainability to mutual benefit.
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