Reference News Network August 4 report: The Hong Kong South China Morning Post website published an article titled "Why Malaysia Seeks a Lasting ASEAN-China-GCC Cooperation" on July 28. The author is Dr. Guo Qingshui, a visiting senior research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) in Singapore and professor of international relations at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, University of Malaya. The following are excerpts from the article:

Malaysia hosted the first ASEAN-China-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, one of the key initiatives promoted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN this year, marking the first step towards institutionalization of this trilateral cross-regional forum that could reshape the diplomatic landscape of Asia.

This summit attracted extensive media coverage. Some praised it as an "unprecedentedly important diplomatic event," a platform with great economic potential and geostrategic importance.

Malaysia has long harbored the ambition to act as a bridge between different regions and civilizations, which may be the best perspective to understand the true significance of the aforementioned initiative. It is evident that Malaysia's leadership role and national interests played a role in hosting this latest forum.

However, a deeper, often overlooked driving force is the necessity of connecting the past with the present. As the diplomat and historian Anthony Milner observed, the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century played a role in shaping regional order, serving as a crucial node on the trade routes from China through the Malay Archipelago to India, Persia, and Arabia.

This historical connection continues to influence Malaysia's modern role as a "key bridge" between important regional and sub-regional entities. Today, this is reflected in promoting mechanisms and integration aimed at bridging different interests, making binding commitments, and engaging in meaningful cooperation with other ASEAN members and regional dialogue partners.

These are not hollow aspirations. For decades, Malaysia has actively taken action to initiate various forums with regional partners.

The efforts to revive ancient trade routes and people-to-people connections should not be misunderstood as Malaysia or ASEAN completely shifting toward alternative South-South alliances. Instead, in the rapidly changing global environment, this trilateral mechanism of ASEAN-China-GCC adds a new layer of partnership.

The rationale for pursuing multi-alignment (as a means) to serve non-alignment (as an end) is becoming increasingly consistent, especially as Southeast Asian countries continue to promote the "ASEAN centrality" by establishing inclusive partnerships with more and more countries and groups.

Anwar believes that the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit will open up "new economic opportunities" for ASEAN and its partners.

Anwar had stated, "By connecting ASEAN, China, and the GCC, we can build a bridge between Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East, deepening economic, cultural, and strategic ties among these regions." He emphasized that such connections would promote cooperation in "energy security, sustainable development, and economic diversification."

Anwar repeated these statements in his opening remarks at the summit, indicating his desire to connect and leverage the diverse and vibrant multiple civilizations across Asia.

Certainly, regionalism has long been at the core of Malaysia's diplomatic identity, existing long before Anwar and likely to continue. Other ASEAN member states have also played a key role at different times in advancing "ASEAN-based" or "ASEAN+" multilateralism.

Today, the unprecedented and ongoing global multiple crises have created a demand for cross-regional platforms like the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit.

Facing intensifying great power competition and increasing global uncertainties, ASEAN must expand connectivity and deepen cooperation to achieve diversification and mitigate the potential weakening of the region's long-standing economic relationship with the United States. This approach seeks to hedge against and reduce imminent risks.

Therefore, cultivating more markets and partners is crucial to withstand shocks, maximize opportunities, and enhance economic synergies.

The Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit outlines many possibilities, including promoting free trade, welcoming the completion of negotiations for the upgraded China-ASEAN FTA 3.0, expecting the early signing and entry into force of the upgrade protocol; and looking forward to the early completion of negotiations for the China-GCC FTA.

Over time, trade diversification and economic synergies can coordinate parallel development and diplomatic tracks, enhancing regional and inter-regional resilience. (Translated by Qiu Fang)

Kuala Lumpur city scenery, Xinhua News Agency

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534730026302964258/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [top/down] buttons below.