The 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit commenced on Monday (26 May) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Leaders from the ten-member bloc gathered to discuss key geopolitical and economic challenges, particularly recent US-imposed tariffs, the ongoing Myanmar conflict, and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
Presided over by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the summit began with a traditional ASEAN handshake, symbolising the region’s commitment to unity and cooperation. As the 2025 ASEAN chair, Malaysia has placed a high priority on restoring multilateral trade norms and reinforcing intra-bloc cohesion.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Anwar warned of growing global instability caused by protectionist policies, specifically criticising recent US tariff decisions. Anwar revealed he had written to US President Donald Trump, proposing an ASEAN-US summit to address the issue directly.
“The global trading system is under further strain with the recent imposition of US unilateral tariffs,” Anwar stated, highlighting a perceived erosion of multilateralism. He described protectionism as a resurgent threat and called for ASEAN to reaffirm its commitment to a rules-based international order.
Pencapaian satu dekad sejak penubuhan Komuniti ASEAN, memberi semangat dan keyakinan baharu kepada rantau ini, yang dicerminkan oleh daya tahan luar biasa meskipun dunia kini semakin kompleks dan penuh cabaran.
Saya lontarkan perkara penting itu sewaktu berucap pada sesi… pic.twitter.com/sX3rpTo8Jt
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 26, 2025
US tariffs, ranging from 10% to 49%, have impacted ASEAN nations significantly. Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand are among the hardest hit. Although President Trump recently paused these tariffs for 90 days, concerns persist about long-term trade stability.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said ASEAN members remain “most heavily affected” by these tariffs and must respond collectively. He urged the region to seize the moment to deepen integration and strengthen economic resilience, warning of a potential global slowdown due to the US-China trade war.
Citing ASEANstats data, only 21% of ASEAN trade in 2024 was intra-regional, compared to the European Union’s 60%. As a result, ASEAN is looking to reduce dependence on US markets and build diversified trade networks, including strengthening ties with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and other economic partners.
One major development was the conclusion of negotiations to upgrade both the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz confirmed the enhanced agreements are expected to be signed in October. He said these milestones are essential to safeguarding ASEAN’s competitiveness in a volatile global economy.
Tengku Zafrul also stressed that ASEAN members should be supported in bilateral tariff talks with the US, while maintaining a unified ASEAN stance. “We must adopt bolder, more agile and forward-looking strategies,” he said, warning against a “business-as-usual” approach.
In addition to trade discussions, the summit addresses the conflict in Myanmar, now a recurring topic in regional forums.
According to a draft chairman’s statement cited by Nikkei Asia, ASEAN leaders are expected to voice “deep concern” over ongoing instability in Myanmar and affirm the bloc’s support for a peaceful resolution in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
The summit’s theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” underlines a forward-looking vision for the region.
The summit also features various high-level interfaces, including meetings between ASEAN leaders and representatives from youth groups, parliamentary bodies, and business councils. These sessions aim to incorporate diverse voices into the ASEAN vision.
A key moment will be the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future. The document is expected to articulate a roadmap for the region’s long-term integration, sustainability, and strategic autonomy.
Looking ahead, ASEAN is preparing for its second summit with the GCC and a historic first trilateral summit involving ASEAN, China, and the GCC. These events are likely to further reinforce the bloc’s strategic pivot towards strengthening non-Western economic partnerships.
As Anwar Ibrahim concluded in his speech, “ASEAN has the fortitude and staying power to withstand the storms of uncertainty.” The coming months will test how effectively the bloc can translate that resolve into unified action.
According to the Singapore Prime Minister’s Office, the agenda reflects ASEAN’s priorities in building a resilient community amid geopolitical flux. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is attending the summit, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his wife, Ms Loo Tze Lui.
In Wong’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is Acting Prime Minister on 25 and 26 May, with Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam stepping in on 27 May.
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