Thai-Cambodian dispute: A complex, ancient history
Asean represents 700 million people, almost all of whom have suffered much under centuries of colonial rule.
And well before colonial rule, the people of Asean have also had a long history of internecine warfare for territory and resources.
This has continued into the modern era, often fanned by a heady mix of nationalism and populism.
The Philippines' claim to Sabah is a case in point, and so are Pulau Batu Puteh...
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Malaysiakini
36 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
EU: Anchor of stability amid global trade tensions
COMMENT | In a world where trade tensions are rising and protectionism is creeping back, the European Union is doubling down on its commitment to free trade and international cooperation. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen put it plainly: 'Tariffs are taxes that only hurt businesses and consumers.' This straightforward message reflects the EU's firm belief that walls and barriers won't help anyone in the long run. The EU's robust legal framework, enforced by EU member states, the European Commission, and the Court of Justice, ensures that international trade follows clear, agreed-upon rules. These rules, grounded in the principles of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, are not just about trade. They promote prosperity, cooperation and stability worldwide, including in the fast-growing and strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. While some countries might be tempted to retreat behind protectionist policies, the EU is keeping its doors open, especially towards Southeast Asia. This openness is based on a simple conviction: that fair, rules-based trade and investment are powerful engines for sustainable growth and development. This is exactly how peace and prosperity in the EU were built over the past decades. Now, this belief is driving a renewed effort to conclude an ambitious, comprehensive and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) with Malaysia. Partners in stability and prosperity The partnership between the EU and Malaysia, as well as with Asean, is built on trust, transparency, and a shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity. And on mutual engagement, as evidenced by the renewed dynamics in our partnership with the visits of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim – also as Asean chair – to Brussels, Rome and Paris in the past months, as well as the visits to Kuala Lumpur by the Poland president, Denmark foreign minister, Finland trade minister and most recently the EU high representative and vice-president of the commission on the occasion of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting. Stability and predictability are vitally important for business and the global economy. The recent relaunch of trade negotiations reflects our shared commitment to an open, rules-based international trade order – a principle Anwar has consistently advocated, and that both sides strongly uphold. The highly promising first round of EU-Malaysia trade negotiations has just concluded in Brussels, the substantive engagement from both sides signalling a fresh push to deepen economic ties. These ties are already significant: the EU is Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner and second-largest source of foreign direct investment. For the EU, Malaysia ranks as its third-largest trading partner in Asean. But there's plenty of untapped potential, and the free trade agreement is key to unlocking it. By slashing tariffs and removing non-tariff barriers, the agreement would open up markets for goods, services, investment, and procurement flows. It would also provide clearer rules on intellectual property and digital trade - areas that are increasingly important in today's economic landscape. Freer trade also helps cushion the impact of global supply shocks by diversifying sourcing and reducing dependence on any single country or supplier. For consumers both in the EU and Malaysia, the benefits are tangible: lower prices, more choice, and greater supply security, especially in essential sectors like food, medicine, and technology. For Malaysian businesses, this means preferential and easier access to the EU's vast single market - the second-largest in the world - creating new opportunities, boosting competitiveness, and attracting high-quality investment. FTA to strengthen ties Ultimately, the FTA is more than just a commercial tool - it is a platform to shape a future-oriented, resilient relationship that reflects the shared ambitions of Malaysia and the EU for sustainable and inclusive growth. It will further strengthen the foundation of our relationship, built on trust and mutual benefit. In a time of growing trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, the EU's commitment to open markets and international rules provides an anchor of stability. As a predictable, transparent, reliable and open partner, the EU is ready to deepen its engagements with the like-minded. The renewed EU-Malaysia free trade talks highlight how cooperation, not confrontation, can pave the way for a more prosperous future for both regions and the global economy. RAFAEL DAERR is EU ambassador to Malaysia. This op-ed is also jointly written by 16 ambassadors of EU member states in Malaysia. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Vietnam's rising role in Asean lauded by New Zealand ambassador
HANOI: As Vietnam marks 30 years of membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Monday (July 28), New Zealand's Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford praised the country's pivotal contributions to regional unity and global economic integration in a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency. Since joining Asean in 1995, Vietnam has emerged as a key player in uniting the bloc and deepening its ties with external partners, Beresford said. Its brainchild, the Asean Future Forum (AFF), has quickly become a leading strategic dialogue platform for shaping the bloc's outlook, bringing together leaders, scholars, and business and civil society representatives. The forum, she noted, exemplifies Vietnam's commitment and proactive spirit in promoting dialogue and cooperation with partners. Beresford tied Vietnam's efforts to Asean's current priorities under the Asean Community Vision 2045: 'Our Shared Future', which envisions a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific with Asean at its core - a goal New Zealand strongly backs. Speaking on Vietnam's role in strengthening Asean-New Zealand relations and Asean's engagement with other partners, Beresford pointed to Vietnam's considerable contributions. As Asean Chair in 2010, Vietnam hosted the second Asean-New Zealand Summit in Hannoi. A decade later, during its 2020 Asean chairmanship, Vietnam overcame the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic to successfully hold the Asean-New Zealand Leaders' Commemorative Summit virtually marking the 45th anniversary of their dialogue relations, paving the way for the launch of negotiations to upgrade the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) in early 2021. She also hailed Vietnam's close coordination in the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between New Zealand and Asean, expected by the end of 2025, a milestone in the 50-year Asean-New Zealand relationship. Expressing commitment to deepening engagement with South-East Asia, Beresford wished to continue upholding effective cooperation with Asean in trade, economic integration, maritime security, education-training, peace initiatives and knowledge-sharing with future business leaders. She expressed particular anticipation for the upcoming Asean-New Zealand Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) Summit to be held in Danang and Hue, which will bring together 120 young entrepreneurs from both sides. Congratulating Vietnam on three decades of Asean membership, the ambassador noted the country's remarkable economic progress. Since joining Asean in 1995, its GDP has ballooned 20-fold, placing it among the world's 40 largest economies, she said. With its dynamic development, status as a manufacturing hub, and network of 17 free trade agreements, including those with Asean and New Zealand, Vietnam is emerging as a key driver of global and regional economic integration. Beresford underlined the country's growing influence, particularly as it prepares to assume key regional leadership roles: Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission in 2026 and host of the Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting (Apec) in 2027. She expected that Vietnam would continue to play a vital role in shaping Asean's strategic directions and contributing to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. She stressed Vietnam's potential to steer the region toward digital transformation, green growth, and enhanced connectivity, building on its strengths as a young, dynamic, tech-savvy and industrious nation. New Zealand remains committed to partnering with Vietnam and Asean on this shared journey of cooperation and progress, she concluded. — Vietnam News/ANN
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Political unrest threatens Malaysia's tourism & economy
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) has expressed concern that ongoing political instability and large-scale public demonstrations could harm Malaysia's international image, investor confidence, and tourism growth. Its president Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Harun said such unrest threatens efforts to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026, a national initiative aimed at attracting millions of international tourists. 'Malaysia is now in a strong phase of post-pandemic economic recovery. Any actions that disrupt political stability and national security may hinder the growth of both the tourism and economic sectors,' he said in a statement. Mohd Khalid said prolonged street protests can affect business operations, job opportunities and investor confidence, ultimately increasing the cost of living for Malaysians. He stressed that public safety must remain a priority as large gatherings carry risks of provocation, conflict and chaos that could threaten public order. 'Stability and peace are the foundation of tourism growth. Without guaranteed safety, tourists will simply choose other destinations that are more stable and secure.' He added that a negative global media coverage could also severely impact the country's Islamic and nature-based tourism sectors. 'Tourism is a major contributor to Malaysia's economy, supporting millions of jobs. 'We recognise the right to voice opinions, but it must be done responsibly and not at the expense of national harmony. We must protect our stability to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026 and the continued growth of the people's economy,' he added. The latest rally, held on Saturday at Dataran Merdeka, saw nearly 15,000 people in attendance.
