Latest news with #Asean-US
AsiaOne
5 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
Asean leaders agree tariff deals with US should not harm fellow members, Asia News
KUALA LUMPUR — Southeast Asian leaders reached an understanding on Tuesday (May 27) that any bilateral agreements they might strike with the United States on trade tariffs would not harm the economies of fellow members, Malaysia's premier Anwar Ibrahim said. Anwar, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, (Asean) said there was consensus during an Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur that any deals negotiated with Washington would ensure the interests of the region as a whole were protected. The Asean meeting came at a time of global market volatility and slowing economic growth, and amid uncertainty over a trade war that has ensued since US President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping Liberation Day tariffs. Southeast Asia is among the regions hardest hit by the tariffs, with six of its countries facing levies of between 32 per cent and 49 per cent in July if negotiations on reductions fail. "While proceeding with bilateral negotiations..., the consensus rose to have some sort of understanding with Asean that decisions should not be at the expense of any other country," said Anwar, who on Monday said he had written to Trump requesting an Asean-US meeting on the tariffs. "So we will have to protect the turf of 650 or 660 million people," he said of Asean. Asean, a region with combined gross domestic product of more than US$3.8 trillion (S$4.8 trillion), is in a precarious position in relation to the United States, which is the biggest market for the region's exports, key drivers of its growth. The 10-member bloc on Tuesday released a five-year strategic plan to better integrate its economies, citing challenges that meant "carrying on business as usual will not suffice". Tuesday's meetings also included an economic gathering of leaders of the Asean, Gulf countries and China, which was represented by Premier Li Qiang. One absentee was Brunei's 78-year-old ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who was admitted to a Kuala Lumpur hospital after feeling tired, but was in good health according to his office. At a dinner event late on Tuesday, China's Li urged Gulf and Asean countries to remove trade barriers and expand liberalisation in the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism. "We all need to firmly maintain the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation as the core, and promote the creation of a stable and orderly international market environment," he said. Call to expand truce Asean leaders also called for a temporary ceasefire in army-ruled Myanmar to be expanded nationwide, to enable warring sides to build trust and work towards convening dialogue. Myanmar has been in crisis since its military overthrew an elected civilian government in 2021, triggering pro-democracy protests that morphed into a widening rebellion, with more than 3.5 million people displaced. A devastating earthquake in March that killed more than 3,800 people led to a series of temporary ceasefires in affected areas of Myanmar, but the military government has continued air strikes and artillery attacks. "We further called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire in Myanmar, as an initial step towards the cessation of violence," Asean leaders said in a statement. "We encouraged all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust towards convening an inclusive national dialogue." Anwar hailed "significant" engagement steps on Myanmar on Monday after last month holding a closed-door meeting in Bangkok with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and virtual talks with the rebel-aligned shadow National Unity Government. On Tuesday, Anwar said Asean leaders had agreed that the path forward was to engage all sides in Myanmar. "Now we have gone to a stage where both parties are now in consultation, although at the lower key level," he said. [[nid:718463]]
RTHK
5 days ago
- Business
- RTHK
Asean expresses 'deep concern' over US tariffs
Asean expresses 'deep concern' over US tariffs Asean leaders pledged in a statement to stand together in the face of unilateral US tariffs, and pledged to expand cooperation with other partners. Photo: Reuters Southeast Asian leaders expressed "deep concern" over US tariffs on Tuesday, as they held a summit with China and Gulf states hailed as "a response to the call of the times" in a geopolitically uncertain world. The trade-dependent economies are looking to insulate themselves after US President Donald Trump blew up global trade norms by announcing a slew of levies targeting countries around the world, then paused most for 90 days. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) released a statement on Tuesday night expressing "deep concern over... the imposition of unilateral tariff measures, which pose complex and multidimensional challenges to Asean's economic growth, stability, and integration". In another statement, the bloc stressed "our strongest resolve to stand together" in the face of the levies, and pledged to expand cooperation with other partners. Malaysian premier Anwar Ibrahim further said the leaders had reached an understanding that any bilateral agreements they might strike with the United States on trade tariffs would not harm the economies of fellow members. "While proceeding with bilateral negotiations ..., the consensus rose to have some sort of understanding with Asean that decisions should not be at the expense of any other country," said Anwar, who on Monday said he had written to Trump requesting an Asean-US meeting on the tariffs. "So we will have to protect the turf of 650 or 660 million people," he said of Asean. Earlier in the day Malaysia, which holds the bloc's rotating chairmanship, hosted the inaugural summit between Asean, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – a regional bloc made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Premier Li Qiang told the meeting that "against the backdrop of a volatile international situation", the summit was "a pioneering work of regional economic cooperation". "This is not only a continuation of the course of history, but also a response to the call of the times," he said. Later, at a dinner event, Li urged Gulf and Asean countries to remove trade barriers and expand liberalisation in the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism. "We all need to firmly maintain the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization as the core, and promote the creation of a stable and orderly international market environment," he said. (Agencies)
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (May 26, 2025)
Malaysia: * Asean marks a defining chapter of regional integration with KL Declaration, says Anwar * Asean leaders agree to strengthen regional trade and investments, says Anwar * Asean parliaments must be key partner in advancing community-building agenda, says Anwar * I wrote to Trump for support to organise Asean-US meeting, says Anwar * Anwar advocates for political cooperation in Asia at CPC dialogue * Chinese premier Li Qiang flies into KL for Asean-GCC-China Summit * Anwar, Kuwait Crown Prince discuss stronger ties, investment * Malaysia and China unite: Shared values strengthen bilateral ties * Health Ministry offers free Tdap vaccination for pregnant women * Ringgit's immediate prospects bright as foreign inflows rise * Sungai Linggi set to boost Melaka ecotourism, says Chief Minister * Awes 2025 vital platform for women's leadership and economic growth, says Fadhlina * Tabung Haji ensures comfort for Malaysian pilgrims amid scorching heat on day of Arafah * Higher Education Ministry: No objection to Sarawak's free higher education initiative * US move to bar international students from Harvard is regressive, says Zambry * Sabah to host Asean Travel Exchange 2025, gathering influential tourism players * MOOve it: Perak wants farmers to graze their cows in state-designated fields * RON95 subsidy rationalisation to be implemented in 2H2025, says Amir Hamzah KUALA LUMPUR, Monday, May 26: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (front, fifth left) poses for a group photo after the signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future at the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre the front, from left are Myanmar Permanent Secretary Ministry Foreign Affairs Aung Kyaw Moe, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh the front, from right are Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão as an observer, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. - Bernama Photo Singapore: * Safe clubbing campaign returns in Singapore but molestation and fights in nightspots continue to be concerns * Singapore's Home Team humanoid robots to be deployed by mid-2027, RM330mil to be invested, says information minister * Malaysia, Singapore agree to strengthen investment and trade cooperation * Malaysia, Singapore enhance regional healthcare collaboration * Nine years' jail for Singapore ex-cop on the run for nearly 17 years after obtaining S$47.7k in bribes * HK actor Damian Lau and Singaporean star Zoe Tay reunite after 10 years * Live show to mark Singapore's 60th birthday will extend from Padang to Marina Bay for first time * More than US$507,000 lost in Singapore to fake friend scams since April * How a Singaporean managed his agoraphobia without hospital treatment * 84-year-old pedestrian dies in Choa Chu Kang accident; minibus driver arrested * Asian stocks, euro gain after Trump delays EU tariffs * Reaching world No. 1 a boost for Malaysia's Goh-Izzuddin ahead of Singapore Open Indonesia: * Indonesia to roll out economic stimulus package to boost consumption * Malaysia, Indonesia to lead setting-up of Asean Halal Council * All 10 Asean leaders sign KL declaration on 'Our Shared Future' * Timor-Leste nearing full Asean membership * Indonesian man killed by crocodile in Kinabatangan * Indonesia seizes record two tonnes of crystal meth hidden in fishing boat * Famed for Komodo dragons, Labuan Bajo rises as holiday hot spot, but overtourism remains a risk * Indonesian energy deregulation vow draws global giants * Glotec's unit begins drilling Indonesia's first commercial CBM well * Oil climbs after Trump extends EU trade talks deadline to July * Li woos Jakarta ahead of summit - Indonesia-China cooperation seems to be rising Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, right, greets Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto before the plenary session at the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Kuala Lumpur Monday, May 26, 2025.-- Mohd Rasfan/Pool Photo via AP Thailand: * Thai growth may be just over 1% in 2025 due to US tariffs , minister says * South-East Asia must keep joining global supply chains, says Thailand * Thai wine tax cut backfires: Consumption soars, state loses millions * Thai PM calls for new Asean strategy to tackle US tariffs * Thai banks slash interest rates to prop up wobbling economy * Motor racing-Thailand plans to submit bid for F1 race in 2028 * Thailand eyes swift tariff deal with US, signalling aircraft purchases * Paetongtarn denies UK meeting with Yingluck, says Thaksin is in Thailand * Thailand: Prescription and quantity cap to weed out herb smuggling Philippines: * Chinese Premier Li Qiang says China eyes stronger cooperation with GCC and Asean for interests of global south * Philippines open to more agreements with China to keep peace in South China Sea * Four dead and one critically hurt in village hall shooting near Philippines' south Manila * Dial 911 anywhere: Philippine govt aims to launch emergency call system nationwide * Marcos calls for legally binding South China Sea Code of Conduct * Three Filipinos sentenced for smuggling green turtle parts in Sabah waters * Philippine peso advances to strongest since 2023 on dollar, oil * Over 21,500 cops to flood Metro Manila streets in visibility drive * Flooded Mindanao areas need help to avoid poll-related violence and humanitarian crisis KUALA LUMPUR, May 26: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signs the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future at the Signing Ceremony in the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on are Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (left) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (right). - Photo: Bernama Vietnam: * France has signed 9bil euros worth of contracts in Vietnam so far, Macron says * France and Vietnam sign Airbus, defence deals as Macron visits Hanoi * Elysee plays down apparent shove on Macron from wife in Vietnam * Agreement signed for power export from Vietnam to Malaysia, Singapore * Foreign companies show appreciation for proactive response in Vietnam to US tariff policies * As summer travel season heats up in Vietnam, experts issue warnings against online scams * Vietnam police detain man over damage to ancient throne * France's Macron in Vietnam to offer third way between US, China Myanmar: * KL Declaration charts new frontiers for Asean unity and innovation * Asean Youth Dialogue delegates call for inclusive policies for sustainable development * Mine destroys freight train on Myanmar railway; cars derailed, tracks damaged * Asean mulls special envoy to Myanmar, says Malaysian minister * Writing history in every stroke -- Script forged by religion and colonialism now an identity. * Eleven countries demand EU weakens deforestation law further, document shows KUALA LUMPUR, May 26: Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrives at the Gala Dinner in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, tonight. -- Photo: Bernama Cambodia: * Malaysia signs deal to initiate trade talks with GCC, eyes expansion of businesses * Investment, cybersecurity among matters discussed between Anwar, Cambodian PM * Climate-smart farming ends migration cycle in Cambodia * Russian prosecutor general in Cambodia for first time, days after high profile extradition * China province commits to promoting Cambodian tourism industry * Asian firms eye expansion beyond US Laos: * Laos and Malaysia establish strategic rail-sea trade link * Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laos PMs meet for breakfast and business at Asean Summit * Lao festival in Japan showcases country's tourist attractions * Lao people pin hopes on China-Laos Railway for agricultural export growth * scams: Watch for these fake emails targeting users Brunei: * Brunei King, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, arrives in Malaysia for 46th Asean Summit * Spotlight falls on Asean transport plan * Asian currencies rise as US fiscal woes, policy shifts weigh on dollar * Misinformation casts shadow on US-China trade truce KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 —Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (right) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang (left) shake hands during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today. - Photo: Bernama AseanPlus: * Asean leaders assemble in KL today for key summit, related meetings * Fadillah: Malaysia urges Asean unity for fair, inclusive energy transition * Address long-standing trade barriers, Asean members told * Strategic ties, Palestinian cause dominate Asean-GCC summit agenda * Evolving ties: Malaysia and China shift from trade to innovation partnership * 46th Asean Summit key platform for boosting regional cooperation, says PMO * Asean-GCC-China model will help forge inclusive, sustainable future, says Anwar * Slow start for hotel industry as international travellers remain cautious * Trade upgrade coming for Asean / Asean renews call to uphold international law in Gaza * What are robot chefs cooking up for South Korea's struggling school kitchens? * Bear stops play! Japan golf event ended after furry sighting * South Korean boy who went missing in 1989 found, reunited with family * South Koreans eye constitutional change to president's power after martial law * N. Korea detains another official over warship launch accident * Bangladesh court begins first trial of Hasina-era officials * India-US yield gap hits 20-year low / Japan signals intent for US tariff deal in June * Hong Kong IPOs raise over US$9.7bil so far in 2025 * Jailed but not failed: Inmates in Nepal turn prison into industrial unit * From first rice to emergence of cities, light shed on origins of civilisation in China * South Korea sees sharp rise in synthetic cannabis use among teenagers * Chinese ambassador criticises plan to return Darwin Port to Australian ownership * Hong Kong urges universities to facilitate students after Harvard ban * TVB actress Nancy Sit, 75, rekindles romance with man 17 years her junior * Israel's latest strikes in Gaza kill 38 people including children * Caste enumeration to aid inclusion; no politics involved, says Modi * Shark control funding boost to increase beach safety in North-East Australia * South Koreans eye constitutional change to presidential power after martial law * China university criticised for requiring student to lower pants for menstrual pain leave * HK star Nicholas Tse launches chilli crab mayo hot dog for JJ Lin's concert * Integrative medicine approach key to increased cancer survival in China * South Korea presidential candidate Lee says to restore hotline with North Korea * Protests grip Bangladesh as pressure mounts on Yunus-led government * Japan's Narita Airport to build third runway * Japan pledges to cut rice price with direct sales to retailers * Rita, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin at Hong Kong's Ocean Park, dies at 24 * Ishiba: Cooperation in shipbuilding to be focal point in tariff talks; progress seems lacking on auto tariffs * Rewriting Bollywood's macho script -- Women filmmakers challenge narrative norms to global and local acclaim * Japan's Chisato Iwai wins first LPGA title with six-stroke romp at MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean Summit: South-East Asian leaders meet to talk tariffs, truce on Myanmar conflict and East Timor
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): South-East Asian leaders met Monday in Kuala Lumpur for their first summit since US President Donald Trump's tariffs upended global economic norms, with the trade-dependent nations expected to issue a joint message of deep concern. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will also attempt to increase pressure on Myanmar's military junta and iron out remaining issues with East Timor's application to join the bloc. Asean's strategy of nurturing diverse economic alliances was on full display as Chinese Premier Li Qiang touched down in the Malaysian capital, a day ahead of talks with the bloc and Gulf states. In opening remarks given to media but not delivered in his speech, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said: "A transition in the geopolitical order is underway and the global trading system is under further strain, with the recent imposition of US unilateral tariffs." "Protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams," he added. Trump cast international markets into turmoil in April when he announced wide-ranging tariffs, before agreeing to pause them for most countries for 90 days. Bilateral talks between the ASEAN member states and Washington are in progress, but the bloc is still presenting a united front, according to Malaysia, which holds the rotating ASEAN chairmanship this year. - 'Deep concern' on tariffs - According to a draft statement seen by AFP, Asean will express "deep concern... over the imposition of unilateral tariff measures", saying they "pose complex and multidimensional challenges" to the bloc. But Asean said this year it would not impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States. Instead, it is looking at broadening its scope with other trading blocs, including the European Union, as well as beefing up trade between member states, Malaysia's trade minister said Sunday. Tuesday's talks with Li and the Gulf Cooperation Council -- a bloc made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- underscores this effort to maintain a broad network of trading partners. "It's not just a photo-op. It actually demonstrates how Asean is attempting to engage strategically with various blocs, a strategy we might term multi-alignment diplomacy," said Khoo Ying Hooi from Malaya University. Anwar said Monday he had written to Trump to request an Asean-US summit this year -- showing "we observe seriously the spirit of centrality". His foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said Sunday that the United States had not yet responded. Asean's relationship with rival power China is hardly uncomplicated either. On Monday, Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos told his regional counterparts there was an "urgent need" to adopt a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea. Beijing has territorial disputes in the area with five Asean member states, with China and the Philippines having engaged in months of confrontations in the contested waters. The adoption of a code of conduct should be accelerated "to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea", Marcos said, according a copy of his speech released by the Philippine government. - Myanmar conflict - On Sunday, Malaysia tried to increase pressure on member state Myanmar's junta, whose leaders are barred from Asean summits over a lack of progress on a five-point peace deal agreed on by the bloc in 2021. "One thing for sure that we agreed is that Myanmar's government... must comply with the five points consensus which they themselves agreed on as one of the signatories," Mohamad said. Asean has led so far fruitless diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, triggered when the junta staged a coup deposing civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Mohamad called Sunday for an extension and expansion of a ceasefire declared after a deadly earthquake, despite ongoing fighting bringing its effectiveness into question. Meanwhile, Asean may add an 11th member state before the end of the year, the top diplomat said. East Timor, Asia's youngest nation, "has made meaningful progress in implementing a roadmap" and there is "strong support" for it to "hopefully" join the bloc by the next summit in October, he said. After meeting leaders on Monday, East Timor's prime minister told reporters he believed his country would become a full member this year, despite still needing to fulfil a few remaining criteria. "Because everyone supports. Everybody. It was incredible," Xanana Gusmao told reporters. - AFP
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia seeks Asean-US meeting in 'spirit of centrality'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, as Asean chair, has written to United States President Donald Trump to organise an Asean-US meeting in the spirit of centrality. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this follows the consensus achieved by the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Langkawi earlier this year. "Following this, I have taken the liberty to write to Trump, seeking understanding to organise an Asean-US meeting. "This means that we observe our centrality spirit seriously. It does not only speak to our aspirations but our obligations," he said in his opening remarks at the Plenary Session of the 46th Asean Summit. Yesterday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had said Asean is waiting for confirmation from the US on the date for the Asean-US Special Summit.
