Unity now more important than ever': Malaysia says ASEAN must tackle US tariffs together

Southeast Asian nations must accelerate regional economic integration , diversify their markets, and maintain unity to address the fallout from global trade disruptions resulting from sweeping US tariff hikes, Malaysian foreign minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized during the opening of the Asean foreign ministers' summit on Sunday.

Mohamad highlighted that Asean countries, many of which rely heavily on exports to the US, are among the most affected by the US-imposed tariffs, which range from 10% to 49%. Six Asean member nations have been particularly impacted, with tariffs ranging from 32% to 49%. He noted that the ongoing US– China trade war is disrupting global production and trade patterns, leading to a likely global economic slowdown.

In response, Mohamad called for Asean nations to deepen regional economic integration to better shield the region from external shocks. He emphasized the importance of unity in the face of rising external pressures, including the superpower rivalry between the US and China. "External pressures are rising, and the scope of challenges has never had higher stakes," he said. "It is therefore crucial that we reinforce the ties that bind us, so as to not unravel under external pressures. For Asean, unity is now more important than ever."

The retreat also addressed the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions since the 2021 military coup. Mohamad reiterated Asean's call for warring parties in Myanmar to cease hostilities and extend and expand the ceasefire to facilitate the long and difficult path toward recovery. He noted that Myanmar's military leaders remain barred from attending ASEAN meetings due to their refusal to comply with ASEAN's peace plan, which includes negotiations and delivery of humanitarian aid.

Also came up for discussions was the implications of the second term of US President Donald Trump on the region amid its rivalry with China. Ministers raised concerns that competition between the two superpowers may increase regional tensions. They stressed the urgency to bolster regional unity and make economic integration a top priority amid global uncertainties.

Tensions in the South China Sea, a vital shipping lane with about $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade, were also high on the agenda following violent confrontations in the waters last year. Vietnam and Malaysia have protested over the conduct of Chinese vessels in their exclusive economic zones, which Beijing claims are operating lawfully in its waters. Asean members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, along with Taiwan, have overlapping claims with China, which asserts sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea.

Asean and China have committed to drafting a code of conduct for the south China sea, but talks have moved at a slow pace. Ministers welcomed progress so far but highlighted the need to continue the momentum to expedite the code of conduct.

The meeting precedes the 46th Asean Summit, scheduled to be held in Malaysia from May 26 to 27, 2025. The summit will focus on pressing regional concerns, notably US-imposed tariffs, the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, and territorial disputes in the south China sea. Economic cooperation, regional security, and sustainable development are central themes of the discussions. Given the geopolitical tensions and economic challenges in the region, the summit is expected to play a significant role in shaping Asean's collective strategies and fostering unity among member states to address these critical issues.

The summit will be followed by a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and leaders of the gulf cooperation council (GCC), aiming to strengthen trade and collaboration, especially in balancing relations between the US and China. Asean countries, impacted by US tariffs , are seeking trade negotiations both individually and collectively. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of economic resilience through deeper ties with China, India, and the EU. He also addressed the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, expressing hope for a peace process following recent talks with both the military junta and opposition leaders.

As Asean approaches the summit, the region faces critical challenges that require a united and strategic response to safeguard its economic stability and regional security.