Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Southeast Asian countries must expand global engagement beyond traditional partners amid the trade war between the United States and China.
He added that strengthening ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the BRICS bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as other emerging economies, would ensure strategic linkages with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
By diversifying its partnerships, Asean can increase its economic resilience, tap new investment opportunities and play a more proactive role in shaping the global governance framework.
Meanwhile, China is the largest trading partner of the 10-nation group that also comprises Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
However, the close relationship between Asean and China must go beyond trade efficiency for the sake of shared prosperity.
He also stressed that Malaysia remains neutral and will not be involved in great power competition.
