Latest news with #Asean-GCC-ChinaSummit
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
World needs China after Iran hits US base in Qatar
When Iran launched missiles at the United States' Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday (June 23, 2025), many feared the start of a regional war. However, a surprising fact soon emerged: Teheran had warned Washington hours before via two diplomatic channels, according to Axios and Reuters. This act of forewarning, rare in modern warfare, was not a sign of weakness — it was a calculated signal to the United States, China, and even Asean. Iran's strike was about precision, not escalation. By issuing a warning, it demonstrated strategic restraint. Teheran aimed to maintain deterrence without triggering a full-blown war, especially after suffering US-Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The measured response showed a long-term view: retaliate without provocation, preserve ambiguity, and leave room for diplomacy. Crucially, Iran's action was also aimed at China, its top oil customer and a key player in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Beijing's involvement in peace efforts — such as the China-GCC Summit in 2022 and the Asean-GCC-China Summit in 2025 — positions it as a credible broker of restraint; if only the US and Israel truly understand the importance of a multipolar world. By issuing an advance warning, Iran ensured that China wouldn't be forced into a corner or pressured to pick sides, for example. It allowed Beijing to continue advocating stability while maintaining strong ties with Teheran. The latter understands multipolarity. But beyond diplomacy, Iran now needs China for another reason: science. The U.S.-Israeli airstrikes employed Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) — "bunker buster" bombs designed decades ago for North Korean terrain. Iran's underground nuclear facilities, however, are geographically and structurally distinct. These differences render American assumptions about the bombs' effectiveness questionable. The true damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure is unclear. Western intelligence lacks the capability to accurately assess destruction in Iran's complex underground systems. Chinese nuclear scientists, equipped with advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies, are uniquely positioned to help Iran understand the extent of the damage. In effect, the bombings have opened a new chapter of Sino-Iranian scientific cooperation. It is now China — not just in diplomacy, but in technical expertise — that is most capable of deciphering what was destroyed and what remains. Beijing is not in a position to tell the US and Israel everything since the two have considered China to be their systemic challenger. Thus, while the US paradoxically also needs this information swiftly, it is beholden to China even more than before on the questionable quality of the "bunker buster bombs". A war fought on incomplete intelligence — especially one involving nuclear facilities — risks spiralling into miscalculation. China's involvement could help stabilise the situation by offering a clear-eyed scientific assessment, one that neither side may fully trust unless verified through a third party. Meanwhile, Asean, under the current Group Chairmanship of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has emerged as a quiet third pillar of balance. Committed to neutrality, dialogue and non-alignment, Asean offers diplomatic cover for restrained actions like Iran's. It also provides a regional platform where major powers and isolated states can engage without being trapped in zero-sum military alliances. Ultimately, Iran's strike on Qatar was not merely retaliation — it was a signal. It communicated strength without recklessness, left diplomatic doors open for China, and aligned with Asean's preference for de-escalation. Most importantly, it underscored the growing importance of multipolar diplomacy and scientific cooperation in resolving 21st-century conflicts. In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, the path forward will not be paved by unilateral action or military might alone. It will depend on coalitions of restraint, the legitimacy of multilateral dialogue, and yes, on the scientific and diplomatic capabilities of rising powers such as China. Thus ,the US needs China more than ever — not to agree with it, but to help verify what the US and Israel truly bombed. The Iran-Qatar episode is not just a signal from Teheran. It is a mirror held up to the world, showing who can still stabilise a volatile global order, and who cannot afford to ignore that fact. China and Asean can. The US and Israel can't.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Important to continue nurturing trust and understanding, PM Wong tells Chinese Premier
- On his first visit to China as Singapore's Prime Minister, Mr Lawrence Wong told his Chinese counterpart that he hopes to continue nurturing trust and understanding between both countries' leaders, the foundation of their bilateral relationship. At a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on June 23, Mr Wong said that the relationship between China and Singapore has continued to deepen and grow because it is a partnership built on a deep level of mutual respect, trust and understanding. 'This deep level of trust and understanding cannot be taken for granted. It has to be cultivated, nurtured year after year, generation after generation,' he said. 'I look forward myself to having this rapport and trust with you, Premier Li, so that we can continue to take our relationship forward and forge even closer ties,' he said. Mr Li, for his part, noted that Mr Wong made China the first country for his introductory visit outside of Asean after winning the General Election in May. 'This reflects the importance the new Singapore government places on the China-Singapore relationship,' Mr Li said. Mr Wong told Mr Li he has brought some new members of his government to visit China with him. 'I'm encouraging everyone in my Cabinet to continue to visit China regularly so that we can continue to build and strengthen the close ties between our two countries,' he said. Among the new officials accompanying Mr Wong are Acting Transport Minister and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow and Member of Parliament Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, both of whom entered politics during the May 2025 elections. Other members of the delegation include Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann. Both leaders in their remarks addressed the turbulent global situation and the need to work together amid the turmoil. Mr Li pointed out that the world is full of change and chaos, with uncertainties and instabilities on the rise. 'Against this backdrop, I feel that it is especially crucial for China and Singapore, which are friendly and close neighbours, and important partners, to strengthen cooperation and exchanges.' Mr Wong agreed: 'As you said just now, because we are living in a more uncertain and turbulent world, we should together find ways to cooperate not just between ourselves, but also in regional and multilateral platforms.' Mr Wong last held formal talks with Mr Li in October 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of the Asean Summit. More recently, they had a brief exchange in May in Kuala Lumpur during the Asean-GCC-China Summit, which brought together Asean members, Middle Eastern countries and China. During this visit to China, Mr Wong will also meet President Xi Jinping and National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji on June 24. Yew Lun Tian is a senior foreign correspondent who covers China for The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Sinar Daily
17-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Asean, GCC and China - A new power bloc of the global south
Malaysia, as Asean Chair this year, is hosting the maiden Asean-GCC-China Summit which is set to unlock immense potential for multilateral cooperation. 27 May 2025 10:32am Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (L) talks to Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as he arrives for a bilateral meeting ahead of the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit after the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, 2025. (Photo by Mohd RASFAN / POOL / AFP) BEIJING - As the global economic uncertainty rages on following the United States' (US) sweeping tariffs, China sees the inaugural Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur today not merely as a diplomatic gathering but a pivotal moment in the rise of the Global South. For China, this tripartite meeting is far more than a symbolic gesture. It represents the emergence of a new economic and strategic axis, one that challenges traditional Western-dominated trade frameworks and offers an alternative vision of cooperative development. Personnel secure the vicinity of KLCC Park ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 25, 2025. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP) This was made evident when China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, remarked last week that China looks to expand practical cooperation with Asean and the oil-rich GCC member states in various fields to leverage their respective strengths, pursue win-win results and defend common interests of the Global South. It would be a coming together of Asean's quest to foster integration within Southeast Asia, GCC's aim to reduce dependence on oil and diversify the economy, and China's Belt and Road Initiative focusing on global infrastructure development strategies. Malaysia, as Asean Chair this year, is hosting the maiden Asean-GCC-China Summit which is set to unlock immense potential for multilateral cooperation. The combined weight of Asean, GCC and China is certainly reshaping the global economic dynamics. Asean, now the world's fifth-largest economy with a collective gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$3.6 trillion (US$1=RM4.22), is not just a manufacturing hub but also a burgeoning consumer market of 700 million people. On Sunday, Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz told a press conference that the collective Asean GDP is projected to grow at 4.7 per cent in 2025 from 4.2 per cent last year. Meanwhile, GCC, backed by its vast energy reserves and nearly US$2 trillion in sovereign wealth funds, is rapidly diversifying under ambitious plans like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. China, the world's second-largest economy with a US$18.6 trillion GDP, brings unparalleled industrial capacity, technological innovation and infrastructure expertise. Together, these three regions account for nearly a quarter of global economic output and a consumer base exceeding 2.1 billion people -- a force that could no longer be sidelined in global governance. What distinguishes this partnership is its foundation in mutual benefit rather than ideological alignment. Asean's youthful demographics and rich natural resources complement China's manufacturing and technological prowess, while GCC's financial capital and diversification goals align seamlessly with China's outward investment and green energy ambitions. Trade between these regions is already flourishing, with China-Asean trade reaching 1.71 trillion yuan (US$234.17 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 7.1 per cent. Meanwhile, China-GCC trade hit over US$288 billion in 2024, with Gulf states supplying 40 per cent of China's crude oil imports. Policy coordination is also accelerating. The China-Asean Free Trade Agreement 3.0 wrapped up last week expands cooperation in digital trade and sustainable development, while the ongoing China-GCC free trade talks promise to create one of the world's largest trade blocs. The summit serves as a platform to synchronise three transformative development strategies, namely China's Belt and Road Initiative, Asean's Connectivity Master Plan 2025 and the GCC's Vision 2030. At a time when Western economies are retreating into a protectionist mode, the Asean-GCC-China partnership offers a different model to build on economic resilience through diversification. Asean has already surpassed the United States and the European Union as China's top export destination in 2023, while Gulf investments in Chinese technology, such as Saudi Arabia's US$5.6 billion push into artificial intelligence, signal deepening ties beyond energy. The Digital Silk Road (DSR) initiative by China is further binding these regions together, with the country's cross-border e-commerce totalling 1.22 trillion yuan in the first half of 2024, up 10.5 per cent year-on-year. China and its partners are weaving a more interconnected and resilient economic fabric, one where development is shared, not monopolised. This is exactly what China stresses on a daily basis and is being reported in local media publications. Like Asean and the GCC, China's cooperation with Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) similarly demonstrate that its approach to global engagement is rooted in economic interdependence rather than coercion. The Asean-GCC-China Summit is certainly a proving ground for a future where the Global South sets the agenda and a definitive statement that the world's economic or perhaps strategic centre of gravity is shifting. In Beijing's strategic calculus, this is seen not just as a summit but the foundation of a new world order, one where the Global South takes its rightful place at the table. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to attend the summit on the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This is the second official visit for Li to Malaysia since assuming the post in March 2023. He visited Malaysia in June last year in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties. - BERNAMA
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Implications of Asean-GCC-China cooperation
AMID growing trade tensions and the rise in protectionist policies on the global landscape, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, hosted by Malaysia as Asean Chairman for 2025, has drawn significant international attention. This gathering marks yet another step forward in Global South cooperation with implications for both regional development and global growth.
Sinar Daily
10-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Asean-GCC-China Summit: A new chapter in Global South cooperation
This gathering marks yet another step forward in Global South cooperation, with implications for both regional development and global growth. By HUI FAN 10 Jun 2025 05:43pm Amid growing trade tensions and rise in protectionist policies on the international landscape, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, hosted under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship for 2025, has drawn significant international attention. - BERNAMA FILE PIX Amid growing trade tensions and rise in protectionist policies on the international landscape, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, hosted under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship for 2025, has drawn significant international attention. This gathering marks yet another step forward in Global South cooperation, with implications for both regional development and global growth. Foundations for partnership The three parties share deep historical and economic ties. Centuries ago, the Silk Road facilitated cultural and commercial exchanges among their peoples. Today, China remains a pivotal trade partner for both Asean and the GCC. Recent advancements, such as the full conclusion of China-Asean Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations, underscore ongoing efforts to deepen economic integration. These longstanding relationships, nurtured through bilateral and multilateral frameworks, provide a robust foundation for expanded cooperation. Shared vision for inclusive growth As advocates for open markets, the three parties reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism during the summit. The event highlighted a shift in Global South nations from passive participants to proactive contributors in shaping international economic frameworks. Discussions underscored the importance of a rules-based global trading system, one that prioritises equitable development over zero-sum competition. This vision aligns with broader calls for inclusive globalisation that benefits all. Complementary strengths Each region brings unique advantages to the table: Asean's youthful demographics and natural resources, the GCC's energy resources and financial capital, and China's vast consumer market and manufacturing prowess. By leveraging these complementary strengths, the partners will benefit from reduced energy and resource costs, accelerated logistics, and more efficient financial services. These synergies will enhance all three parties' competitiveness and resilience while enabling more secure and sustainable development, which are indispensable for navigating challenges in today's volatile global markets and maintaining growth amidst trade uncertainties. Amid growing trade tensions and rise in protectionist policies on the international landscape, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, hosted under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship for 2025, has drawn significant international attention. - BERNAMA FILE PIX Synergy in scale: 1+1+1>3 The trilateral cooperation has already registered positive progress. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced at the Summit that China has decided to offer five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible applicants from Southeast Asian countries for business and other purposes, and to effectively give all GCC countries visa-free status. And with a regional business council in conception, the three parties have charted a united course for cooperation in areas including economic integration, connectivity, energy security and sustainability, digital transformation and innovation, food and agriculture and people-to-people exchanges. Collectively, Asean, China and the GCC account for nearly a quarter of the world's population and global GDP. Their collaboration signals a growing preference for cooperative and open regionalism in addressing shared challenges, such as trade disputes and supply chain disruptions. By improving infrastructure connectivity and streamlining trade, this partnership could foster synergies that multiply rather than simply add their individual strengths. A model for South-South cooperation Amid ongoing tariff and trade wars, the best way to navigate the current difficulties is to seek strength through unity. Through the practice of cross-regional cooperation, the three parties have demonstrated that the Global South can collectively counteract the adverse impact of unilateral tariffs by exploring new trade and investment opportunities, diversifying trade partners, and reducing reliance on traditional markets. The three parties' connected market, one of the world's largest intra-regional markets, will also allow other countries to share more benefits, and inject much-needed certainty into the global economy. By pooling together the three important forces in the world, this innovative, inclusive and pragmatic model represents a shared commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and marks a concrete step toward a peaceful, prosperous and equitable future. A powerful boost to globalisation In an era of interconnected economies and shared global challenges, globalisation retains its transformative potential—but only if nations choose collaboration over isolation. As an innovative cooperation mechanism among Global South partners, the Asean-GCC-China Summit demonstrates how diverse regions can align interests to strengthen multilateral frameworks and advance equitable trade. The Summit's success sends a clear message: Solidarity doesn't require uniformity. It thrives when nations bridge divergences through structured cooperation. By prioritising dialogue and economic interdependence, countries can transform differences into opportunities while fostering shared progress. In an uncertain world, such collaboration isn't just idealistic—it's the cornerstone of collective resilience and a more equitable future. Hui Fan is a Beijing-based observer of international affairs. The views expressed in this article are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.
