58th AMM Highlights ASEAN's Balancing Act Amid Superpower Rivalry

Barnama

a day ago

Analysts believe that the engagement by both powers reflects ASEAN's growing strategic importance amid shifting global dynamics, with China projecting a stable diplomatic approach and the US seeking to re-establish trust in the region.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The presence of China and the United States (US) at the 58th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings has reinforced the grouping's zest to maintain regional peace and neutrality amid rising superpower rivalry and heightened Malaysia's diplomatic credibility as a trusted partner and future bridge-builder among competing powers.
Similarly, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's presence at Kuala Lumpur signalled Washington's endeavour to re-establish ties with Southeast Asia as a security and economic partner, more so after the chaos caused by America's sweeping tariffs, most of which will take effect come August.
Amid renewed geopolitical competition, an analyst opined that China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's active engagement reflected Beijing's evolving foreign policy posture and its desire to align with ASEAN's principles of peace and neutrality.
'Wang's participation was a productive time for China. It was an opportunity to show its international standing and willingness towards dialogue,' said Dr Rowena Abd Razak, a historical consultant and an Associate with IMAN Research (A Kuala Lumpur-based think tank which focuses on the domains of protective security, peacebuilding and sustainable development).
She noted that China's reiteration of support for the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), along with Wang's meeting with Rubio, demonstrated Beijing's openness to working within international frameworks.
Undoubtedly a feather in the cap for ASEAN, 'these moves undeniably showcased China's ability to play a savvy foreign policy game - one that is markedly different from perceived US aggression and the unpredictability of (Donald) Trump's presidency,' she said.
Rowena added that Wang's conduct during the meetings reflected an alignment with ASEAN's aspiration to maintain peace and advance a nuclear-free Southeast Asia.
Despite China being an economic superpower and Southeast Asia's dependence on the Chinese economy, Wang's approach also showed deference to ASEAN centrality and Malaysia's role as the regional bloc's Chair this year, she said.
From an economic perspective, she said Beijing is capitalising on the region's growth potential, mainly as the US adopts increasingly protectionist policies.
She cited the proposed upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA 3.0) as reflecting Beijing's vision of deeper integration with the region.
'Beijing sees ASEAN as an important zone of trade and exchange, particularly amid growing US economic isolation,' she said, referring to the debilitating tariffs imposed on ASEAN member states.
'Wang is expressing Beijing's view of ASEAN's importance and positioning China as a champion for the region,' she added.
WASHINGTON RECOVERS LOST GROUND
Concurring with Rowena, Universiti Malaya (UM) Security and International Relations analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat said this year's AMM served as a platform for ASEAN to assert its relevance amid intensifying great power competition.
Rubio's attendance reflected Washington's attempt to re-engage the region more consistently and rebuild strategic trust.
He attributed this to the US attempting to recover lost ground and re-establish itself as a security and economic partner.
'This year's meetings marked a turning point in US efforts to restore credibility and demonstrate dependable support for ASEAN centrality, especially after years of transactional diplomacy.
'While China's rise has been structured and steady, the US is now working to show it remains committed to ASEAN's future,' he said.
Rubio's reaffirmation of support for ASEAN principles – neutrality, regional autonomy, and freedom of navigation – was significant, especially amid tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
'The emphasis on shared values, rules-based order and connectivity offered by Rubio provides a needed contrast to China's assertiveness,' he added.
Still, Collins said ASEAN must balance engagement with both powers without eroding unity or compromising neutrality.
MALAYSIA ACTS AS A BRIDGE-BUILDER
Collins also said this year's AMM tested ASEAN's strategic maturity as the global order becomes more fragmented. It seemed to have passed with flying colours.
He said Washington's clearer messaging and sustained high-level participation reflected an understanding that past diplomatic absences had created a vacuum increasingly filled by China.
'ASEAN is now in the spotlight to prove that it remains a relevant and cohesive force amid competing frameworks like the Quad, a grouping comprising Australia, India, Japan and the US and AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the US.
'There is now recognition in Washington that inconsistency has damaged trust in the region,' he said.
Looking ahead, Collins said that Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship for the remainder of 2025, especially at the upcoming summit and with leaders of dialogue partners, possibly including US President Trump, will be pivotal in steering the bloc through a complex regional environment.
He added that Putrajaya, Malaysia's federal administrative capital, has the diplomatic credibility to act as a trusted interlocutor between competing powers.
'Malaysia must step forward as a bridge-builder to ensure ASEAN remains cohesive while promoting inclusive, rules-based cooperation with all major powers.
'Malaysia's leadership will be critical in strengthening ASEAN mechanisms, advancing economic resilience and anchoring strategic convergence based on mutual respect and autonomy,' he said.
Wang participated in key sessions during the AMM, including the ASEAN-China and ASEAN Plus Three (APT) meetings.
Rubio, on his first official visit to Asia, participated in the ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting and held bilateral talks with Wang on the sidelines.
The meetings, held from July 8 to 11, were hosted under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, with the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial