Latest news with #ASEAN-China-GCCSummit
Malaysia Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
China's openness to multilateralism empowers Global South, counters protectionism, experts say
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China's continued commitment to free and open trade, as well as balanced multilateral cooperation, is not only empowering its own economic growth but also providing a strong foundation for developing economies across the Global South amid mounting global uncertainty, according to analysts. OPEN TRADE STANCE BOLSTERING GLOBAL SOUTH China's participation in the recent ASEAN-China-GCC Summit underscores its role as an economic anchor, helping to counterbalance the harmful effects of rising protectionism and unilateral policies by certain countries, said Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The summit allows ASEAN, GCC, and China to align more closely with the broader Global South's interest and agenda," Lee said. "Such platforms provide opportunities to amplify their voice and also discuss new ways to cooperate amidst global uncertainty," she further explained, adding that it was also a good opportunity for the Global South to try to reshape the world order to be more inclusive and diverse. "As some countries are becoming more protectionist and isolationist, the summit was a good initiative and effort to counter these emerging trends. The summit proves that economies can complement rather than compete with one another, easing the worries that countries can only develop if they turn inward," she said, adding that such a cooperative model could serve as a successful template for other groupings with China. EXPANDING PRACTICAL COOPERATION IN DEVELOPMENT Malaysian experts also stress the importance of practical and inclusive cooperation among developing nations. The summit offers a promising platform for South-South collaboration in key sectors, especially for countries seeking alternatives to Western-dominated systems. Andrew Kam Jia Yi, a senior research fellow with the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at the National University of Malaysia, highlighted the increasingly fractious nature of global technological development and the need for more inclusive cooperation frameworks. He pointed out that sharing would benefit from closer cooperation between countries that are at risk of U.S. pressure over their engagement with China, enabling them to continue their development and adoption of new technology. "The summit opens new pathways for South-South collaboration, where nations can support one another through trade, joint infrastructure projects, and technology sharing," he said. "It is particularly complementary in critical areas such as renewable energy, digital innovation, and public health." "This cooperation will be able to pursue an independent path of free and open trade and multilateralism. They can pursue their own paths," Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, also told Xinhua. ADVANCING MULTIPOLAR VISION FOR A CHANGING WORLD Kam also observed a broader strategic shift as Global South countries increasingly push back against Western pressure, particularly in areas such as monetary policy. Instead, these countries are seeking cooperation with partners who are grounded in respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual benefit. "The summit supports practical steps to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar by promoting local currency trade and regional financial tools, helping these economies better withstand global financial shocks. Ultimately, the summit represents more than just policy agreements," he said. "(Multilateral engagement) fosters a multipolar dialogue that values diversity in development models and encourages the exchange of ideas and resources. This broadens the scope of multilateralism to include voices that have often been underrepresented in global decision-making processes, thereby making the international system more representative and equitable," he added. According to Azmi Hassan, U.S. policies have "backfired spectacularly," leading to increased engagement and cooperation among Global South partners. "Aggressive policies by the 'Global North' are only driving stronger cooperation and strengthening trade and economic links," he added.
Malaysia Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
News Analysis: China's openness to multilateralism empowers Global South, counters protectionism, experts say
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China's continued commitment to free and open trade, as well as balanced multilateral cooperation, is not only empowering its own economic growth but also providing a strong foundation for developing economies across the Global South amid mounting global uncertainty, according to analysts. OPEN TRADE STANCE BOLSTERING GLOBAL SOUTH China's participation in the recent ASEAN-China-GCC Summit underscores its role as an economic anchor, helping to counterbalance the harmful effects of rising protectionism and unilateral policies by certain countries, said Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The summit allows ASEAN, GCC, and China to align more closely with the broader Global South's interest and agenda," Lee said. "Such platforms provide opportunities to amplify their voice and also discuss new ways to cooperate amidst global uncertainty," she further explained, adding that it was also a good opportunity for the Global South to try to reshape the world order to be more inclusive and diverse. "As some countries are becoming more protectionist and isolationist, the summit was a good initiative and effort to counter these emerging trends. The summit proves that economies can complement rather than compete with one another, easing the worries that countries can only develop if they turn inward," she said, adding that such a cooperative model could serve as a successful template for other groupings with China. EXPANDING PRACTICAL COOPERATION IN DEVELOPMENT Malaysian experts also stress the importance of practical and inclusive cooperation among developing nations. The summit offers a promising platform for South-South collaboration in key sectors, especially for countries seeking alternatives to Western-dominated systems. Andrew Kam Jia Yi, a senior research fellow with the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at the National University of Malaysia, highlighted the increasingly fractious nature of global technological development and the need for more inclusive cooperation frameworks. He pointed out that sharing would benefit from closer cooperation between countries that are at risk of U.S. pressure over their engagement with China, enabling them to continue their development and adoption of new technology. "The summit opens new pathways for South-South collaboration, where nations can support one another through trade, joint infrastructure projects, and technology sharing," he said. "It is particularly complementary in critical areas such as renewable energy, digital innovation, and public health." "This cooperation will be able to pursue an independent path of free and open trade and multilateralism. They can pursue their own paths," Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, also told Xinhua. ADVANCING MULTIPOLAR VISION FOR A CHANGING WORLD Kam also observed a broader strategic shift as Global South countries increasingly push back against Western pressure, particularly in areas such as monetary policy. Instead, these countries are seeking cooperation with partners who are grounded in respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual benefit. "The summit supports practical steps to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar by promoting local currency trade and regional financial tools, helping these economies better withstand global financial shocks. Ultimately, the summit represents more than just policy agreements," he said. "(Multilateral engagement) fosters a multipolar dialogue that values diversity in development models and encourages the exchange of ideas and resources. This broadens the scope of multilateralism to include voices that have often been underrepresented in global decision-making processes, thereby making the international system more representative and equitable," he added. According to Azmi Hassan, U.S. policies have "backfired spectacularly," leading to increased engagement and cooperation among Global South partners. "Aggressive policies by the 'Global North' are only driving stronger cooperation and strengthening trade and economic links," he added.
Leaders
28-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudis to Get Visa-Free Entry to China
China has granted Saudi travelers visa-free entry for 30 days, in a policy trial that will last for one year, reported the Chinese official news agency Xinhua. During a press briefing on Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, announced that ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain will get visa-free entry to China on a trial basis, starting from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026. The announcement followed the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the theme 'Synergizing Economic Opportunities toward Shared Prosperity.' Under the new policy, the citizens of these four Gulf countries will be able to travel to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges or transit purposes without needing a visa for entry, Mao explained. 'China now grants visa-free status to all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to visit China anytime,' Mao said. Since 2018, the UAE and Qatar have adopted reciprocal visa-free entry policies with China. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has the Approved Destination Status (ADS) with China, an arrangement that took effect on July 1, 2024. This agreement allows Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom in group tours with simplified visa procedures, cheaper tickets and increased daily flights. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia targets 5 million Chinese tourists by the end of the decade, aiming to make China its third largest source market for international arrivals by 2030, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). To this end, the Kingdom has boosted connectivity with new direct flights by Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, alongside the existing Saudia flights. It has also introduced tailored products, and developed strategic partnerships to enhance group and Flexible Independent Travel (FIT) experiences. Short link : Post Views: 13
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
China, ASEAN, GCC forge innovative trilateral cooperation amid global risks
KUALA LUMPUR: Amid escalating global challenges, China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have forged a groundbreaking path in cross-regional cooperation. In a historic move, they convened a landmark trilateral summit in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia -- ASEAN's current chair -- marking a bold step toward collective resilience, economic synergy, and a shared vision for prosperity. At the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on the three parties to set a global benchmark in openness, development cooperation and cross-civilization integration. His call comes at a critical juncture, as rising protectionism and escalating geopolitical tensions threaten to fracture the international order. Amid global economic headwinds and mounting uncertainties, Li noted that by strengthening connectivity and collaboration, the three sides can forge a vibrant economic circle and a powerful engine for growth, which holds profound significance not only for their respective prosperity but also for advancing peace and development across Asia and the world. 'As some countries are becoming more protectionist and isolationist, the summit was a good initiative and effort to counter these emerging trends,' said Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia. 'The summit proves that economies can complement rather than compete with one another, easing the worries that countries can only develop if they turn inward,' Lee added. At the tripartite gathering, Li urged all sides to work together to build a model of global cooperation and development in three aspects -- creating a model of cross-region openness, forging a model of cooperation across different development stages, and fostering a model of cross-civilization integration. At the summit, the leaders committed to further strengthening Belt and Road cooperation, with a focus on deepening ties in connectivity, trade, industrial and supply chains, agriculture, energy, finance, and the digital economy. They pledged to accelerate trilateral integration, fostering robust, inclusive, and sustainable development for all. The summit adopted a joint statement, which was hailed as 'detailed, elaborate' and a strong message of trilateral solidarity and cooperation by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In the joint statement, the relevant countries acknowledged their joint efforts to promote closer cooperation between ASEAN, GCC and China, and China's vision to build a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future and a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era. Andrew Kam Jia Yi, senior research fellow with the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at the National University of Malaysia, said the summit highlights how the strengths of each party can complement one another. 'The GCC's energy and financial resources, ASEAN's growing consumer base, and China's technological and financial capacities together create more resilient supply chains and boost food and energy security for all,' he said. Following the summit, Li also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum 2025. He emphasized China's commitment to energizing trilateral cooperation through its high-quality development, pledging to firmly expand high-level opening up, promote mutual reinforcement between domestic and international circulations and share the opportunities of China's development with countries of ASEAN and GCC, and enterprises from around the world. The trilateral cooperation mechanism not only fosters collaborative agreements across regions, but creates a novel platform of communication and dialogue for the Global South countries to closely coordinate on regional and international affairs and amplify their voices on the global stage. The joint statement recognizes the need to strengthen confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and reaffirms the countries' resolve to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to their peoples and future generations. During talks with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, the Chinese premier voiced China's readiness to push for a greater role of the Global South in improving global governance. In his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Li said that China looks to strengthen communication and cooperation with Vietnam and jointly protect the common interests of the Global South countries. During their meeting a day before the summit, Li told Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, crown prince of Kuwait, that China is committed to strengthening communication and coordination with Kuwait through various multilateral platforms to push for more just and equitable global governance and a more harmonious, stable and prosperous world. The trilateral summit 'encourages other regions to pursue similar models of collaboration,' Kam said. 'It is a sign of growing solidarity, where countries of the Global South are working together to shape their own futures, assert their priorities on the global stage, and build a more equitable and stable world order from the ground up,' the scholar added.¦
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
China, ASEAN, GCC boost trilateral ties amid global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Amid escalating global challenges, China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have forged a groundbreaking path in cross-regional cooperation. In a historic move, they convened a landmark trilateral summit in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia -- ASEAN's current chair -- marking a bold step toward collective resilience, economic synergy, and a shared vision for prosperity. At the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on the three parties to set a global benchmark in openness, development cooperation and cross-civilization integration. His call comes at a critical juncture, as rising protectionism and escalating geopolitical tensions threaten to fracture the international order. Amid global economic headwinds and mounting uncertainties, Li noted that by strengthening connectivity and collaboration, the three sides can forge a vibrant economic circle and a powerful engine for growth, which holds profound significance not only for their respective prosperity but also for advancing peace and development across Asia and the world. 'As some countries are becoming more protectionist and isolationist, the summit was a good initiative and effort to counter these emerging trends,' said Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia. 'The summit proves that economies can complement rather than compete with one another, easing the worries that countries can only develop if they turn inward,' Lee added. At the tripartite gathering, Li urged all sides to work together to build a model of global cooperation and development in three aspects -- creating a model of cross-region openness, forging a model of cooperation across different development stages, and fostering a model of cross-civilization integration. At the summit, the leaders committed to further strengthening Belt and Road cooperation, with a focus on deepening ties in connectivity, trade, industrial and supply chains, agriculture, energy, finance, and the digital economy. They pledged to accelerate trilateral integration, fostering robust, inclusive, and sustainable development for all. The summit adopted a joint statement, which was hailed as 'detailed, elaborate' and a strong message of trilateral solidarity and cooperation by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In the joint statement, the relevant countries acknowledged their joint efforts to promote closer cooperation between ASEAN, GCC and China, and China's vision to build a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future and a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era. Andrew Kam Jia Yi, senior research fellow with the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at the National University of Malaysia, said the summit highlights how the strengths of each party can complement one another. 'The GCC's energy and financial resources, ASEAN's growing consumer base, and China's technological and financial capacities together create more resilient supply chains and boost food and energy security for all,' he said. Following the summit, Li also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum 2025. He emphasized China's commitment to energizing trilateral cooperation through its high-quality development, pledging to firmly expand high-level opening up, promote mutual reinforcement between domestic and international circulations and share the opportunities of China's development with countries of ASEAN and GCC, and enterprises from around the world. The trilateral cooperation mechanism not only fosters collaborative agreements across regions, but creates a novel platform of communication and dialogue for the Global South countries to closely coordinate on regional and international affairs and amplify their voices on the global stage. The joint statement recognizes the need to strengthen confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and reaffirms the countries' resolve to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to their peoples and future generations. During talks with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, the Chinese premier voiced China's readiness to push for a greater role of the Global South in improving global governance. In his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Li said that China looks to strengthen communication and cooperation with Vietnam and jointly protect the common interests of the Global South countries. During their meeting a day before the summit, Li told Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, crown prince of Kuwait, that China is committed to strengthening communication and coordination with Kuwait through various multilateral platforms to push for more just and equitable global governance and a more harmonious, stable and prosperous world. The trilateral summit 'encourages other regions to pursue similar models of collaboration,' Kam said. 'It is a sign of growing solidarity, where countries of the Global South are working together to shape their own futures, assert their priorities on the global stage, and build a more equitable and stable world order from the ground up,' the scholar added.¦
