Southeast Asian nations will present a unified front to face economic challenges and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. He expressed hopes that a meeting with US President Donald Trump could take place later this year to discuss tariffs.
ASEAN has agreed not to retaliate against US tariffs, which have impacted member economies such as Singapore and Malaysia. A taskforce is being formed to coordinate a response, alongside bilateral negotiations by some member countries.
The region relies heavily on exports to the US and is affected by Trump’s tariffs, ranging from 10% to 49% for certain countries. ASEAN leaders will also discuss cooperation with China and other regional partners during the summit.
Analysts see China as expanding its influence in the region, while tensions persist over Beijing’s stance in the South China Sea. ASEAN leaders aim to deepen economic integration through a new 20-year vision, but critics argue that the bloc lacks leverage to address the Myanmar crisis.
The conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions, with refugees fleeing across borders. Officials plan more engagement with the Myanmar military, while experts warn that ASEAN’s efforts may not be effective in resolving the situation.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/malaysia-asean-tariffs-myanmar-trump-trade-73fcfea4374873da1591ae5aba68656b