In Trump-attended summit, China warns ASEAN against ‘external interference’ and ‘economic bullying’
China has issued veiled criticisms against the United States during the 47th ASEAN Summit, warning regional leaders of “external forces” seeking to sow division and cause disarray among countries.
Addressing the heads of state gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the high-level meeting, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the region is grappling with “greater risks and challenges today,” citing “unjust high tariffs” as one of them.
“In the face of power politics and economic bullying, disunity and confrontation will not only yield no benefits, but will also lead to division and domination by external forces,” Li said. “The more severe the situation is, the more determined we should be to unite and strengthen ourselves.”
His remarks came just a day after US President Donald Trump appeared before ASEAN, where he spearheaded the signing of a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand.
During his short trip to Kuala Lumpur, Trump, who’s now in Japan for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, secured four key economic deals with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of host country Malaysia said both China and the US’ appearances at the ASEAN prove the bloc’s ability to foster strong relations with other countries.
“The day before we were here with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, and today we are back with China,” he said. “That reflects ASEAN's centrality, and I commend and congratulate my colleagues in ASEAN for the wisdom to maintain centrality and maintain friendly relations with all our countries.”
“This is what we consider a steady engagement that fosters trust, that enables us to work through challenges together,” he added.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
