ASEAN Grapples With Tariffs Amidst Global Tensions

Foreign ministers from ASEAN are convening in Kuala Lumpur this week, facing a complex agenda shaped by global trade tensions and regional security concerns. Discussions are slated to address tariffs and the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza.

Navigating Global Influence

**Dr. Faiz** from the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia cautioned against allowing external influences to dictate ASEAN’s foreign policy. He emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “One of the biggest concerns is that ASEAN’s foreign policy should not be allowed to be continually guided and influenced by the … tectonic movements of Trump’s outpourings.”

He further suggested that ASEAN ministers should prioritize establishing a unified stance on critical issues: “So, the first thing that has to be done (when) ASEAN foreign ministers get together (should be to) take a common position, for example, in relation to tariffs.”

Focus on Palestinian Development

A ministerial meeting of the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) will also take place. Malaysia and Japan are jointly leading this effort to expedite reconstruction in Gaza, which has faced significant destruction from conflict.

Regional Security Forum

The ASEAN Regional Forum, a significant platform for political and security discussions in Asia, will convene 27 participants. These include the ten ASEAN member states alongside major global players like the US, Russia, and China. Despite expressions of unity, observers anticipate underlying divisions will surface during the forum.

According to the World Bank, trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, are projected to slow global economic growth to 2.4% in 2024 (World Bank, January 2024). This underscores the urgency for ASEAN to fortify its intra-regional trade.

**Professor Phar Kim Beng**, specializing in ASEAN studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia, noted the potential for solidarity displays: “They may express their solidarity, and they may use aspirational language that Asia should unite, the intra-regional trade in ASEAN should be further enhanced to insulate ourselves from the turbulence of whatever Washington DC is doing right now,” he stated.

Dialogue with Key Partners

Separate meetings between ASEAN foreign ministers and key dialogue partners are also scheduled. These sessions offer opportunities to address specific concerns and foster cooperation on various fronts. The meetings, held under the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” are set to run from July 8 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur.