Latest news with #ASEAN-GCC-ChinaSummit
Asia Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Asia Times
ASEAN-GCC-China summit: a civilized vision in a fractured world
The inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, 2025, may have passed with minimal fanfare in the Western press, but in the corridors of regional diplomacy, it marked a tectonic shift. More than just a diplomatic novelty, the summit signaled a concerted effort to reimagine global cooperation from the perspectives of three enduring civilizations—Southeast Asia, the Arabian Gulf and China. Each region brings to the table not only vast economic potential but also a deep civilizational ethos. Their alignment is not one of ideology or strategic confrontation; rather, it is rooted in a desire to resist the deepening fragmentation of the global order. What comes next, therefore, is not merely about policies or agreements but about shaping the architecture of a multipolar future through mutual respect, pragmatic trade and institutional innovation. With the summit hosted under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship, the message was deliberate: this is a partnership driven by regional voices, not external dictates. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made it clear that the gathering was not a geopolitical bloc but a 'platform of mutual convergence.' It is a subtle yet significant distinction. The summit did not yield grandiose communiqués or sweeping defense pledges. Instead, it focused on the pragmatic: trade flows, free trade negotiations, investment corridors and digital and green economy cooperation. In a world overrun by war rhetoric, sanctions and tariff threats, the emphasis on cooperation and long-term planning was notable. But what are the tangible takeaways—and what lies ahead? ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China collectively represent a market of over two billion people and a combined GDP of nearly US$25 trillion. Yet, despite this heft, their intra-regional trade remains surprisingly low. Currently, trade between the GCC and ASEAN remains minute. GCC is but the 7th trading partner of ASEAN. However, it is up to the two of them to improve themselves. Similarly, while China is a key trading partner for both regions, much of the engagement remains bilateral, not triangulated. That is poised to change. Among the key priorities outlined during the summit were: The advancement of a GCC-China Free Trade Agreement, with negotiations expected to conclude by mid-2026. The upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) to its 3.0 version, incorporating digital trade, ESG standards, and green technology collaboration. The proposed development of joint industrial zones, such as a GCC-funded logistics hub in East Malaysia, which would serve as a strategic maritime node connecting the Strait of Malacca to the Arabian Gulf. These economic plans aim to diversify trade dependencies and reduce the outsized reliance on Western markets. Notably, they offer ASEAN and GCC states an opportunity to deepen south-south cooperation—long viewed as a slogan more than a strategy. The Kuala Lumpur Summit was also the unofficial launchpad for ASEAN's Vision 2045, a comprehensive blueprint crafted to guide the region into its second half-century. This vision focuses on: Strategic autonomy – ensuring ASEAN can maintain equidistance in the US-China rivalry while advancing its own security and economic priorities. Institutional deepening – upgrading the ASEAN Secretariat, creating more binding dispute settlement mechanisms, and improving the implementation of regional frameworks. Proactive external engagement – especially with emerging powers, such as the GCC, and reinforcing ASEAN centrality in larger fora like the East Asia Summit. Vision 2045 is not a mere wish list. It builds upon the Hanoi Declaration (2020), Labuan Bajo Statement (2023) and the Vientiane Strategic Plan (2024). With Malaysia at the helm in 2025, the vision gains additional traction through Kuala Lumpur's technocratic rigor and Anwar Ibrahim's moral authority as a regional elder statesman. Of course, visions without execution are hallucinations. The challenge ahead is to translate these long-term ambitions into actionable strategies. The next few years will be crucial. First, ASEAN will need to finalize the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and integrate it with GCC digital governance standards—no small feat given the wide variations in data protection laws and digital infrastructure across the three regions. Second, the industrial cooperation plans require political will and institutional capacity. While Chinese financing is ample and Gulf sovereign wealth funds are liquid, the on-ground realities in some ASEAN states—including land acquisition, corruption and bureaucratic inertia—can derail even the most ambitious projects. Third, all parties will need to navigate the increasingly delicate geopolitical terrain. While the summit stressed that 'no side is being taken,' the optics of GCC and Chinese leaders standing together under the ASEAN banner could trigger anxieties in Washington, Brussels, and Tokyo. Defensive signaling—whether through naval exercises, tariff regimes or investment restrictions—is not inconceivable. To pre-empt this, ASEAN must reinforce its position as a convenor, not a competitor. Malaysia's leadership in proposing an ASEAN-US Special Summit, free from preconditions, is a step in the right direction. If successful, it will help offset suspicions that ASEAN is drifting into a China-led orbit. What makes this trilateral platform unique is its underlying civilizational approach. ASEAN represents a model of pluralistic coexistence and flexible institutionalism. The GCC, despite internal differences, offers resource wealth and religious significance. China, with its Confucian legacy and economic clout, brings scale and technological ambition. Together, these regions can forge a model of cooperation distinct from the Atlanticist framework, one that privileges consensus over coercion, trade over tariffs and resilience over rivalry. However, none of this is guaranteed. The structural weaknesses are real and glaring. Intra-ASEAN trade is still below 25%. The GCC is facing generational transitions and potential instability in oil prices. China's domestic economy is rebalancing under stress. But in aligning their trajectories, these regions signal that interdependence is still possible in an era of decoupling. The upcoming East Asia Summit in October 2025, also to be held in Kuala Lumpur, will be a key test. It offers an opportunity to link this trilateral vision with the broader Indo-Pacific community. More importantly, it could set the stage for embedding these civilizational dialogues into permanent economic institutions. The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit is not a full circle yet. It is the beginning of a spiral—open-ended, evolving and fraught with uncertainties. But it is also a reminder that amid the cacophony of conflict and competition, quiet diplomacy, anchored in historical awareness and mutual respect, can still illuminate the path forward. Phar Kim Beng, (PhD) is professor of ASEAN Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia and senior visiting fellow, Homerton College University of Cambridge Luthfy Hamza is senior research fellow, Institute of Internationalization and ASEAN Studies
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's leadership shines at ASEAN Summit with key milestones and global partnership
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen alongside ASEAN, Gulf, and Chinese leaders during the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): Undoubtedly, the ASEAN Summit held in the capital earlier this week concluded on a high note, marking a significant moment for regional diplomacy and Malaysia's leadership on the Southeast Asian stage. Several key milestones were achieved at the meeting, which was attended by leaders from all ten ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners. One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the formal announcement that Timor-Leste will become a full member of ASEAN by October 2025. Membership in ASEAN is never an easy path for any country, as the regional bloc works on a consensus basis. All it takes is for a member country to oppose the new entrant, and it goes out the window. There have been some anxious moments for the youngest Asian nation, which has just a 1.5 million population, with one Timor Leste diplomat joking that 'going to heaven is easier than joining ASEAN.' Resource-rich Timor-Leste occupies the eastern part of the island of Timor, at the far eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago. But with its biggest supporter, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, pushing for its entrance into ASEAN, there were plenty of behind-the-scenes persuasions to ensure a consensus was met. After years of preparation and observer participation, Timor-Leste's accession was unanimously endorsed. The Prime Minister described the decision as 'historic and deeply symbolic,' noting that it represents ASEAN's commitment to inclusivity and support for emerging democracies in the region. Malaysia has been providing training for the country's budding diplomats at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR). The IDFR also organised a specialised programme for over 50 government officials in support of Timor-Leste's journey toward ASEAN membership. In addition, two key high-level meetings – the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit – concluded successfully on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which was attended by China's Premier Li Qiang, is unprecedented as this is the first of its kind, reflecting Malaysia's push for greater economic cooperation. Against the backdrop of crippling tariffs and rising economic uncertainties, the Al Jazeera described the meeting as 'alternative centres of global power in full display with the GCC and China attending the ASEAN summit for the group's inaugural trilateral meeting.'' The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Both engagements reflected ASEAN's increasing global relevance and its strategy of balanced engagement. For Anwar, the summit was not only a diplomatic success but a personal milestone that underscored his growing influence in regional affairs. The successful hosting of the summit was a defining moment in his premiership as the event offered a platform to showcase his commitment to multilateralism, inclusive development, and principled diplomacy. He was able to forge economic consensus in rallying member states around the ASEAN Digital Trade Framework Agreement (ADTFA), demonstrating his ability to bridge diverse economic interests. He successfully aligned Malaysia's digital economy goals with broader ASEAN ambitions. Some have asked why the Palestine issue was brought up at a forum which should emphasise only regional economic operation, but the point is that ASEAN needs to be a voice that has to be taken seriously by the international community. Anwar used the summit to push for a stronger ASEAN position on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His passionate advocacy led to a joint ASEAN statement urging an immediate ceasefire and calling for greater humanitarian access – a rare unified stance on a sensitive international issue. Anwar also convened a special session on sustainable energy, bringing together ministers and private sector leaders to discuss accelerating the energy transition. His proposal for a regional ASEAN Green Finance Initiative gained traction, with several member states agreeing to explore joint green bond issuances. Kudos to the Foreign Ministry for elevating the Malaysian diplomatic status with its smooth and well-organised hosting of the summit. It certainly has Malaysia's reputation as a capable and constructive regional player. Anwar's emphasis on dialogue, inclusivity, and regional solidarity certainly resonated with both ASEAN leaders and external partners. But the job for Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', isn't fully done yet. Three major events are coming up with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (AMM PMC) in July, and the ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting in September. The grand finale is from Oct 24-26, where the 47th Summit will be held and attended by its dialogue partners. ASEAN dialogue partners are Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. – Bernama Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, a veteran journalist, is the chairman of BERNAMA, the national news agency. anwar ibrahim Asean Summit diplomacy lead leadership
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Supply chain challenges demand resilience and agility from businesses
KLANG: Businesses are encouraged to integrate resilience, agility and adaptability into their strategies to navigate global supply chain disruptions, as geopolitical tensions have become increasingly common in today's globalised economy. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the current landscape demands regional cooperation in maintaining supply chain continuity. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment as a key player in ASEAN to foster stronger regional partnerships to address these challenges. 'Just a couple of days ago, we concluded the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, a historic gathering that showcased the strength and coordination of ASEAN in navigating global challenges. 'The summit sent a clear message to the world, ASEAN is open for business, and we are ready to lead in building a more resilient and interconnected global economy,' he said at the groundbreaking ceremony of Singapore-based YCH Group's smart logistics complex, Supply Chain City Malaysia, here today. The minister added that Malaysia is working with its ASEAN partners to implement the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), which aims to enable robust and sustainable economic recovery across the region. Tengku Zafrul said that one of Malaysia's priorities is to enhance the ASEAN Single Window (ASW), a digital platform designed to streamline trade processes among member states by reducing bureaucracy and improving trade efficiency. 'The ASW will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional supply chains and boosting intra-ASEAN trade, which currently accounts for nearly 25 per cent of total ASEAN trade,' he said. Tengku Zafrul highlighted that Malaysia is also pushing for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to harmonise digital trade regulations and accelerate cross-border e-commerce adoption across the region. He said ASEAN's growing importance in global trade, noting its combined GDP of over US$3.6 trillion and population of more than 680 million people. 'As the world's fifth-largest economy, ASEAN plays a critical role in the global supply chain, accounting for nearly seven per cent of global trade,' Tengku Zafrul said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Supply chain challenges demand resilience, agility from businesses
KLANG: Businesses are encouraged to integrate resilience, agility and adaptability into their strategies to navigate global supply chain disruptions, as geopolitical tensions have become increasingly common in today's globalised economy. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the current landscape demands regional cooperation in maintaining supply chain continuity. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment as a key player in ASEAN to foster stronger regional partnerships to address these challenges. 'Just a couple of days ago, we concluded the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, a historic gathering that showcased the strength and coordination of ASEAN in navigating global challenges. 'The summit sent a clear message to the world, ASEAN is open for business, and we are ready to lead in building a more resilient and interconnected global economy,' he said at the groundbreaking ceremony of Singapore-based YCH Group's smart logistics complex, Supply Chain City Malaysia, here today. The minister added that Malaysia is working with its ASEAN partners to implement the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), which aims to enable robust and sustainable economic recovery across the region. Tengku Zafrul said that one of Malaysia's priorities is to enhance the ASEAN Single Window (ASW), a digital platform designed to streamline trade processes among member states by reducing bureaucracy and improving trade efficiency. 'The ASW will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional supply chains and boosting intra-ASEAN trade, which currently accounts for nearly 25 per cent of total ASEAN trade,' he said. Tengku Zafrul highlighted that Malaysia is also pushing for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to harmonise digital trade regulations and accelerate cross-border e-commerce adoption across the region. He said ASEAN's growing importance in global trade, noting its combined GDP of over US$3.6 trillion and population of more than 680 million people. 'As the world's fifth-largest economy, ASEAN plays a critical role in the global supply chain, accounting for nearly seven per cent of global trade,' Tengku Zafrul said.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Maritime Chain Crucial To ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Ties
By Harizah Hanim Mohamed KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) – A maritime value chain that facilitates shipping connectivity and secures sea lanes, along with the ability to counter disruptions, is vital for ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China in their quest to consolidate tripartite economic cooperation and integration. 'Comprehensive maritime connectivity is crucial in ASEAN, Asia and the Gulf where 90 per cent of regional trade relies on shipping,' said Ang Chip Hup, former national consultant for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Besides this, over 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes through ASEAN waters including the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, making shipping and port infrastructure vital for economic growth. He cited how there were better opportunities for maritime connectivity by expanding into these regions through an enhanced ASEAN Single Shipping Network. 'Such a move was possible by increasing feeder ports from China to the Gulf via ASEAN, thereby reducing congestion at major hubs,' he told Bernama ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit here on May 26 to May 27, 2025. Malaysia, as this year's rotating Chair of ASEAN, is hosting the inaugural trilateral summit with the GCC, China, and Southeast Asian nations under the Chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' Amid disruptions to trade precipitated by debilitating tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on 168 countries, including some of the highest tariffs on some ASEAN countries and China, countries are looking to deepen integration to be self-reliant trade-wise. Ang said that economies should also look into expanding Port Community Systems (PCS) for real-time cargo tracking and emphasise on green and efficient shipping.
