ASEAN-BRICS Ties: Strengthening Global South Cooperation Amid US Tariff Threats
Southeast Asian nations aligning with BRICS are contributing to the creation of a fairer and more balanced global economic order amid rising trade protectionism, analysts say. Four members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations took part in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday and Monday, according to China Daily reports. Indonesia remains the sole ASEAN nation with full BRICS membership, having joined in January 2025. Meanwhile, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the high-level international meetings as partner countries.
The 17th BRICS Summit and ASEAN Participation
During the summit, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized his nation’s dedication to revitalizing multilateralism. In a social media post cited by China Daily, Subianto noted that he reiterated the importance of Indonesia’s role in promoting synergy among Global South countries. He pointed toward building a more inclusive, balanced global governance framework designed to support sustainable economic growth.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim similarly addressed the gathering. According to China Daily, Ibrahim described the international rules-based order as increasingly fractured and ignored, prompting Malaysia to call for multilateralism that yields practical outcomes. As the rotating chair of ASEAN, Malaysia welcomed the platform’s focus on inclusive growth, fair trade, and responsible artificial intelligence governance.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a comprehensive declaration encompassing 126 commitments. These commitments span global governance, finance, climate action, health, and technology. Leaders at the summit voiced serious concerns over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort standard trade practices, reaffirming their commitment to a World Trade Organization-centered trading system.
Trade Pressures and Tariff Threats from Washington
The diplomatic alignment coincides with mounting economic pressures from the United States. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump stated he would impose an additional 10 percent tariff on any nation aligning with what he characterized as anti-American policies associated with BRICS, as reported by China Daily. By Monday, letters had reportedly been dispatched to 14 global leaders—including six representatives from ASEAN—informing them that tariffs ranging from 25 to 40 percent would take effect the following month.
Indonesian State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that Indonesia faces these potential financial headwinds. According to local media coverage cited by China Daily, Indonesia confronts an additional 10 percent tariff layered on top of a proposed 32 percent levy because of its official BRICS membership.
Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, a former senator in the Malaysian parliament, noted in China Daily coverage that BRICS offers a clearer vision for growth. This economic clarity has successfully convinced regional states to participate. Because the United States has threatened sweeping tariff increases of up to 40 percent, platforms offering expanded export markets have become vital for regional stability.
Expanding Practical Cooperation Across the Global South
Beyond macroeconomic coordination, institutional cooperation under the broader BRICS framework has expanded into practical sectors such as public health, technology, and vocational training. A prime example is the Heart Sapling Program, a specialized medical initiative designed to strengthen clinical cooperation and train young physicians from the Global South.
Under this initiative, foreign medical professionals, such as Brazilian cardiologist Eric Rodrigo Morales Mercado, participate in hands-on clinical procedures alongside Chinese doctors in Xiamen, Fujian province. As reported by China Daily, Mercado described the exchange as a life-changing experience aimed at bringing advanced minimally invasive techniques back to Brazil.
This operational framework reflects long-term strategic goals outlined by Chinese leadership. At a virtual summit in September 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged member states to leverage individual strengths and deepen practical cooperation across business, financial, scientific, and technological domains. Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, India, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Beijing signaled its continued readiness to advance high-quality development within a shared future framework.
He Yun, a senior researcher at the Belt and Road Institute of Tsinghua University, observed in China Daily that BRICS cooperation has evolved significantly over the past decade. The grouping has transitioned from basic mechanism-building to practical project execution, expanding from the original five core economies into the broader “BRICS Plus” architecture. China has actively contributed by establishing dedicated institutional platforms, including the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center and industrial competency hubs.
Muhammad Habib Abiyan Dzakwan, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta, suggested that Indonesia must seek direct clarification from Washington regarding definitions of alignment and anti-American policies. Concurrently, Jakarta must continue prioritizing tangible public goods delivered through multilateral frameworks.