Following the conclusion of the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressed speculation over Southeast Asia's diplomatic direction, stating that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) remains open to a potential summit with the United States. He emphasized that the bloc’s engagement with global powers should not be interpreted as favoritism towards China.
Anwar, who chaired the summit, underlined Asean’s principle of maintaining a balanced and neutral stance in foreign relations. He stressed that Southeast Asia must engage with all major powers, including the United States and China, while ensuring the region's own interests remain central to its diplomacy. The remarks came amid rising concerns in some quarters that Asean may be drifting closer to Beijing, especially after Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s attendance at the summit and recent diplomatic efforts led by Chinese President Xi Jinping across several Southeast Asian nations.
While acknowledging that such perceptions have existed for some time, Anwar pointed out that his earlier communications with Asean leaders had emphasized the importance of continued dialogue with both China and the United States. He noted that he had also reached out to former US President Donald Trump regarding a potential Asean-US summit. Anwar stated that if an official invitation were to be extended by Trump proposing a meeting in the near future, Asean would not hesitate to respond positively.
His comments come as Malaysia continues trade negotiations with Washington, particularly concerning US-imposed tariffs. The Malaysian government has expressed willingness to explore compromises that could lead to the removal of these tariffs, especially given the significance of the semiconductor trade. In 2024, Malaysia exported over US$16 billion worth of semiconductors to the United States, making up nearly one-fifth of America’s total chip imports.
While advocating for deeper US-Asean engagement, Anwar reiterated that any bilateral negotiations should align with the collective interests of the bloc. He emphasized that Asean members had agreed on encouraging dialogue with Washington, provided that such efforts do not undermine other nations or compromise regional unity.
The recent trilateral summit, featuring Gulf states and China, is seen as a reflection of Asean’s broadening diplomatic strategy. However, Anwar’s assurance that Asean remains impartial underscores the bloc’s intent to navigate global rivalries with a focus on regional stability and mutual cooperation.
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