Latest news with #AseanPost-MinisterialConference
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Asean has global trust'
Jovial moment: Mohamad attending the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference with the European Union. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Asean has emerged as a trusted platform by global superpowers and countries are 'queuing' up to sign up as partners to the regional group, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Minister said many countries want to be a partner of Asean by acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation of Southeast Asia (TAC), so much so the grouping had to put a moratorium on it. 'Asean has the trust of global superpowers. We are known as a region of peace and good economic growth. 'Countries are lining up to sign the TAC as this is the first step of being a partner to Asean,' he said at a press conference at the conclusion of the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings yesterday. While the current practice is not to take new partners as dialogue partners, Mohamad said Asean is giving an exception to one or two countries to be a partner to the regional group. 'Some dialogue partners can bring added value to Asean. So, we are not too rigid in our moratorium,' added Mohamad. He said Algeria and Uruguay officially acceded to the TAC, marking their formal commitment to principles of peaceful cooperation and regional harmony. 'As of now, 57 countries have become parties to the TAC,' added Mohamad. He said 21 meetings involving Asean and its external partners were held at this meeting. Mohamad said he held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Palestine, the Philippines, Switzerland, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay. He also stressed on the importance of maintaining neutrality as a trading nation. 'Our economy is based on trade. We cannot be seen as leaning toward anyone. The United States has the largest investment and China has been our largest trading partner for many years. 'We have to navigate our foreign policy so as not to be seen as leaning toward anyone,' he said. On the tariff issue, Mohamad said the United States prefers to hold negotiations separately with countries, and not as a group. 'Each country must negotiate for themselves. The United States seems more comfortable negotiating this way. 'We hope we will be able to negotiate well and decide on it fast,' added Mohamad. Malaysia, as Asean Chair, will once again host the regional summit – the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits in October. On another matter, Mohamad said Malaysia will fully enforce regulations pertaining to illegal ship-to-ship transfer of crude oil in Malaysian waters beginning this month, as per Cabinet decision. He said ships caught doing this will face fines and the vessels held. 'We do not want to be accused of being a country that facilitates these activities. We will defend our waters so such actions can be prevented,' Mohamad said. He acknowledged that there will be quarters upset with this policy, adding regardless, Malaysia will enforce the ruling.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
EU urges Asean to defend rules-based order amid regional, global conflicts
High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, delivers a speech during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the European Union in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. - Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The European Union and Asean, as the world's two foremost regional organisations, share a joint responsibility to uphold the international rules-based order and defend multilateralism, says EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Kaja Kallas ( pic ). The vice-president of the European Commission said both blocs must continue to promote regional cooperation and integration in the face of mounting global crises. 'In the face of Russia's war against Ukraine, multiple conflicts in the Middle East and the rising tensions in the South China Sea, we stand together as advocates for regional cooperation and integration,' she said. 'We defend the rules-based order and multilateralism in line with the UN Charter. We do this because it is in the interest of every citizen in Europe and every citizen here in Asia,' Kallas said at the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference with the EU on Friday (July 11). Kallas added that as protectors of global norms, the EU and Asean must also push back against renewed protectionism. 'In the face of renewed protectionism, we must boost our cooperation on trade and defend the rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent trading system with the World Trade Organization,' she said. She also extended an invitation to Asean ministers for a working lunch in Brussels this November, on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, to strengthen coordination and 'prepare the ground' for deeper cooperation. 'We must take the 50th anniversary of EU-Asean relations and make it a success. 'This work should involve us identifying concrete deliverables to mark that occasion,' she said, referring to the upcoming Commemorative Summit in 2027. Kallas stressed that the current global instability, marked by threats to territorial integrity and violations of international humanitarian law, required predictable and principled actors. 'Many things that we have taken for granted are now being questioned, including core principles such as territorial integrity and international humanitarian law. 'But the European Union is as committed to upholding global norms as ever before. 'We are a predictable, reliable partner for free trade, multilateralism, solving global issues together and standing up for international law,' she said. She also highlighted the growing interdependence between Asean and the EU, noting that both regions account for over 20% of global GDP and nearly a quarter of global trade. 'Malaysia has helped the EU to cut its dependency on Russia for oil and gas. Brunei has too - thank you for that. 'European-produced electric vehicles run on batteries with inputs from Indonesia and Thailand produces more rubber than any other country in the world. 'We use this in everything from tyres to… well, everything,' she said. Kallas said the EU also provides Asean members with critical imports, including pharmaceuticals, industrial tools and advanced technology. Looking ahead, she voiced confidence that the evolving partnership between the EU and Asean warranted a further upgrade. 'I am confident that the substance of our work together justifies the elevation of our partnership status to one of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' she said. She closed her remarks by thanking Malaysia for its hospitality and Brunei for assuming the role of Asean country coordinator for the EU.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
EU eyes strategic upgrade with Asean by 2027
KUALA LUMPUR: The European Union is seeking to elevate its partnership with Asean to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2027, as both regions deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and regional stability amid rising global uncertainties. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas said the bloc was firmly committed to strengthening ties with Asean in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. "We must make the 50th anniversary of EU–Asean relations a success. I look forward to working together in the run-up to the Commemorative Summit in 2027. "I am confident that the substance of our collaboration warrants the elevation of our partnership to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," she said during the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference with the EU here today. Kallas proposed that both parties begin identifying concrete deliverables in the run-up to the commemorative summit, adding that the EU would host an EU–Asean working lunch in Brussels in November, on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, to prepare the groundwork. She said that the EU and Asean — two of the world's most prominent regional blocs — shared common values and a mutual responsibility to uphold the rules-based international order, particularly in light of escalating geopolitical tensions. "In the face of Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and heightened tensions in the South China Sea, we stand united as advocates for multilateralism and regional integration," she said. Kallas also expressed her gratitude to Malaysia and Brunei for supporting the EU's energy diversification efforts, adding that the bloc had been able to reduce its dependency on Russian energy thanks in part to contributions from Asean partners. She also highlighted Asean's growing importance to the EU, especially in the supply of critical resources. "European electric vehicles rely on batteries with components sourced from Indonesia. Thailand is the world's leading producer of rubber. Our economies are becoming increasingly interconnected," she said. Closer EU–Asean collaboration, she added, was essential for tackling global challenges and safeguarding the international rules-based system. "The EU, and I personally, remain committed to deepening our engagement in this region, including through Asean. The backdrop of our cooperation is one of profound geopolitical instability. "Many of the principles we once took for granted — territorial integrity, international humanitarian law — are now being challenged." Together, the EU and Asean account for over 20 per cent of global GDP and nearly a quarter of global trade. Kallas also cautioned against rising protectionism and economic fragmentation, urging both sides to defend a fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trading system, anchored by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). "But the European Union remains steadfast in upholding global norms. We are a predictable, reliable partner — for free trade, multilateralism, collaborative problem-solving, and the defence of international law," she said.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Tariffs overshadow diplomacy as Asean foreign ministers press on with meetings
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox One topic continued to dominate conversations in and outtside the halls of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on July 10: tariffs. – The second day of the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings on July 10 was packed with high-level engagements, including some 10 separate meetings between the grouping and key partners. But despite the intense diplomatic schedule, one topic continued to dominate conversations in and outtside the halls of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre: tariffs. In the media centre, journalists were glued to laptops and phones, tracking updates on how their countries were handling letters from Washington outlining revised United States tariff rates. Eight out of 10 Asean countries have received formal notifications over the past two days, with Singapore and Vietnam's expected to follow soon. Diplomats and ministers, too, appeared preoccupied, with the mood reflected in several speeches delivered during the day. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met regional ministers at the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference on July 10, defended the tariff hikes as necessary for fairer trade. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said US President Donald Trump believes the state of global trade is unfair to America, and that for far too long, imbalances have been allowed to develop. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Spike in piracy, armed robbery cases in straits of Malacca and Singapore in first half of 2025 Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Singapore Singapore launches centre to drive sustainable aviation in Asia-Pacific Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? 'So this is a globalised effort to reset US trade in a way that's beneficial to the United States. And not just in dollars and cents, but also in our own domestic industrial capacity. So this has been made clear to countries around the world,' he said. For Asean, the US' trade policy upheaval has been a reminder of how external shocks can hijack even the most meticulously planned diplomatic calendar. President Donald Trump on July 8 announced hefty levies of between 25 per cent and 40 per cent on six Asean nations. Singapore has not received any formal notification from the White House. Ms Joanne Lin from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute pointed out how the timing of the US announcements, just before and during the meetings, only heightened the buzz surrounding the issue. Diplomats noted that while discussions on digital trade, energy cooperation, and Timor-Leste's upcoming accession to Asean were ongoing, tariffs were never far from people's minds. Observers whom I was in touch with throughout the day commented about how the issue has dominated regional discourse, pushing aside other priorities Asean had hoped to advance. 'Tariffs have dominated the regional discussion, which is to be expected with Trump's insistence to reset world trade in favour of the US,' said Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at business consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. 'Attention is being diverted from other issues, and it seems like the Asean Chair feels that the tariff issue is the most pressing right now, compared to the rest.' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, which chairs Asean, on July 9 urged the group to 'act with purpose' and enhance trade among one another in the face of global uncertainty. He zeroed in on trade, and described tariffs, export restrictions and investment barriers as 'the sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry'. Datuk Seri Anwar said: 'As we navigate external pressures, we need to fortify our internal foundations. Trade more among ourselves, invest more in one another, and advance integration across sectors with resolve.' While Asean has not adopted a common stance, the uneven impact of the new tariffs and the pursuit of individual deals by countries such as Vietnam have tested the grouping's ability to maintain a united position. But rather than derailing cooperation, this has sharpened the urgency to deepen regional economic integration. Compared with the full implementation of Asean's Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar – long stalled by internal divisions and the bloc's principle of non-interference – deeper trade cooperation may be a more achievable common goal. The collective, though varied, pain felt across Asia may even provide renewed impetus for China and Asean to push the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations past the finish line. The COC is meant to manage tensions in the South China Sea, where there are overlapping maritime claims. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at a meeting with Asean leaders, called on the region to resist protectionism and instead champion openness and cooperation. 'Together with the Asean countries, we will promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness,' he said. Progress on the COC has been hampered by a lack of consensus between China and Asean, as well as differing threat perceptions and national interests among the group – and this was one of the priorities revisted at the Asean meet. In a meeting with China on July 10, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called for 'wisdom and prudence' to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. He warned that any disruption to the vital waterway could have far-reaching implications for global trade, saying: 'We must therefore ensure that geopolitical tensions do not escalate or threaten to undermine security and global trade in the South China Sea.' As for the headline economic challenge, Asean leaders look set to make the grouping's strongest responses yet to the growing pressure since the Trump administration first floated the tariff policy earlier in 2025. A draft of the joint communique seen by The Straits Times that typically wraps up the full series of Foreign Ministers' engagements indicates that the Asean leaders are set to express concern over the 'unilateral actions relating to tariffs' that are 'counterproductive' and risk 'exacerbating global economic fragmentation'. Top leaders have already signalled the direction ahead: Malaysia's Mr Anwar has warned that the trade conflict is 'not a passing storm' and urged the bloc to 'act with purpose' in strengthening ties within the grouping. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has also issued the call for 'bolder reforms' in the group , including deeper integration, streamlined trade and investment frameworks, and digital connectivity, to bolster the Asean's relevance and resilience. Whatever language makes it into the final carefully calibrated communique, the bigger test lies ahead. Asean has shown it can speak with one voice, the challenge is now how to translate that into tangible, collective action. This means facilitating cross-border business operations within the South-east Asia, reducing trade and investment barriers, and enhancing regulatory coordination. Steps are already under way to achieve this. For instance, in the realm of digital payments, several Asean countries have begun linking their national payment systems, allowing users to make cross-border transactions using QR codes or mobile apps, making trade and travel more seamless across the region. As economic pressures intensify and partners look for direction, the world will be watching not just what the region says, but how it moves.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
South China Sea Code of Conduct moves forward amid tensions
KUALA LUMPUR: The third reading of the South China Sea Code of Conduct has been completed, amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly between China and the Philippines. China Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the progress made had helped to effectively manage differences and maintain overall maritime stability. "We have completed the third reading of the Code of Conduct consultations, effectively managed differences, and maintained general stability at sea. "China has also joined hands with Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and other countries to combat transnational crimes such as online gambling and fraud, leading to deeper security cooperation," he said during his opening remarks at the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference with China, held here today. Wang said that China looked forward to the signing of the Asean–China Free Trade Area 3.0 agreement, expected later this year.
