Malaysia's Foreign Minister: Trade war severely disrupts global production and trade patterns, and the unity of ASEAN is crucial.

Mohammad, Malaysia's foreign minister, said on Sunday that Southeast Asian countries must accelerate the process of regional economic integration, diversify markets, and maintain unity to jointly address the impact of the global trade disruption caused by the U.S. significantly increasing tariffs. Malaysia currently holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN, and Mohammad reiterated ASEAN's appeal to Myanmar's warring parties during the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, calling for an end to the conflict. Since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, this deadly civil war has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.

In his speech, Mohammad said, "ASEAN countries are among those most affected by the U.S. tariff increases. A global economic slowdown is very likely to occur, and we must seize this opportunity to deepen regional economic integration so as to better protect our region from external shocks."

Many ASEAN countries rely on exports to the U.S., and they are currently being hit by tariffs ranging from 10% to 49% imposed by the Trump administration. Six out of the ten ASEAN member states are among the most affected countries, with tariff rates ranging from 32% to 49%. Trade officials stated that this may affect ASEAN's growth forecast of 4.7% this year.

ASEAN has not yet been able to ensure a meeting with the U.S. However, after Trump announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs last month, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries quickly initiated trade negotiations with the U.S. This foreign ministers' meeting was held before the ASEAN leaders' summit.

According to the plan, the 46th ASEAN Summit and related high-level meetings will be held on May 26-27 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. Leaders from ASEAN member states, East Timor, GCC member states, China, and other countries are expected to attend. The leaders are expected to discuss in depth ways and measures to strengthen cooperation within the region, expand partnerships, enhance economic autonomy, and explore new cooperation drivers.

Mohammad emphasized that the unity of ASEAN is crucial, as Southeast Asia is striving to cope with the impacts of climate change and the destruction caused by the malicious use of artificial intelligence and other unregulated technologies. He added that ASEAN's central position will be tested by external pressures, including competition between superpowers.

Mohammad pointed out, "External pressures are rising, and the scope of challenges is more severe than ever before. Therefore, we must strengthen our connections with each other to avoid falling apart under external pressure. For ASEAN, unity is now more important than ever." Most ASEAN member states have refused to take sides and maintain close contact with both the U.S. and China, which are important trade and investment partners in the region.

Mohammad also proposed that ASEAN will continue to strive to help war-torn Myanmar recover from the earthquake that killed over 3,700 people in March.

Mohammad said, "We call on all stakeholders in Myanmar to cease hostilities, extend and expand the ceasefire to promote Myanmar's long and arduous path to recovery."

The Myanmar crisis challenges ASEAN's authority, as ASEAN has long adhered to its policy of non-interference in internal affairs. Mohammad stated on Saturday after informal consultations with ASEAN member states that due to the spillover of the Myanmar issue into neighboring countries, with an increasing number of refugees fleeing and cross-border crime rising, ASEAN must make greater efforts.

Malaysia's current focus is on easing violent conflicts and expanding humanitarian aid channels, but he noted that political dialogue plans between conflicting parties in Myanmar will face challenges due to "lack of trust."

Source: rfi

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833111536688195/

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