The 47th ASEAN Summit kicked off on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur as Southeast Asian leaders gathered under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” Malaysia, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is hosting the three‑day event, which runs from Oct. 26‑28.
Key guests and virtual participation
The summit attracted more than 30 heads of state and government from the ten ASEAN countries. US President Donald Trump is slated to dine with the leaders, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join virtually. Delegations from the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa and others will also be present. The United Nations, World Bank, IMF and European Council President Antonio Costa are expected to attend.
Russia will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, while Myanmar’s senior general Min Aung Hlaing and President Vladimir Putin will not be in attendance. ASEAN has declined to invite Myanmar’s military leadership since the 2021 coup.
What’s on the agenda
The talks focus on trade, security, and human rights.
- Trade and tariffs – The leaders will discuss US “Liberation Day” tariffs that hit many ASEAN economies and the impact on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which covers one‑third of global GDP.
- Rare‑earth minerals – China’s export controls on these key materials could affect the high‑tech sector, so ministers will look for solutions.
- Rohingya and Myanmar – The summit will address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the civil war in Myanmar, where the Rohingya community remains at risk.
- South China Sea – Disputes over maritime claims will stay in the conversation amid heightened tensions.
- Gaza – An ASEAN statement on the Gaza ceasefire will be issued.
- Southeast Asian scams – The spread of scam centres that have made criminal networks billions of dollars will also be tackled.
Looking ahead
Malaysia hopes the summit will yield positive outcomes, especially around trade ties and stability in the region. With East Timor’s official accession, the bloc will grow from ten to eleven members, further boosting its economic and diplomatic reach. The summit’s discussions will shape the future of ASEAN’s partnership with India, the United States, China, and other global allies.
The event continues with high‑level meetings and roundtables, as officials seek to strengthen cooperation and promote sustainable growth across Southeast Asia.
Source: ianslive
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