Kuala Lumpur: Malysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday said the new wave of U.S. tariffs is not a “passing storm” but a structural threat.
Ibrahim addresing the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, urged member states to boost internal trade and stay united under pressure. Regional leaders and global partners are gathered amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, in the four-day summit began on July 8 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Malaysia is hosting the meeting under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."
During the meeting, the South China Sea, Myanmar’s political crisis, and border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia will be discussed. ASEAN ministers are also expected to finalize Timor-Leste’s path to full membership.
The summit has drawn the interest of major global powers. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived today for his first official visit to Southeast Asia. He is scedhuled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines. U.S.–Russia tensions is high over Ukraine and global trade.
While the US is portraying the trip as United States’ commitment to advancing a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region, analysts believe the Rubio is expected to focus on trade and Washington’s new tariff push.
China, Japan, the EU, and other dialogue partners are also attending the moot. Malaysia, is chairing the summit for the fifth time.
Security is tight at the KLCC, where over 20,000 delegates, officials, and media staff are attending.
The final joint statement is expected on July 11. It will likely outline ASEAN’s stance on regional security, trade, and its response to external pressure. But unity may be tested — especially on sensitive topics like the South China Sea and Myanmar.
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