Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - On May 27, 2025, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China convened a trilateral summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to strengthen economic resilience amidst global economic uncertainty. This meeting marks a significant effort to bolster economic ties and address challenges arising from potential trade disruptions.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the importance of stronger ASEAN-GCC ties for enhancing interregional collaboration and ensuring sustainable prosperity. Chinese Premier Li Qiang advocated for expanded trade and investment links between China, ASEAN, and the GCC, emphasizing China's role as a reliable partner.
Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah stated that the GCC is ASEAN's seventh-largest trade partner, with total trade reaching $130.7 billion in 2023. The summit underscores ASEAN's strategy to balance relations amid geopolitical challenges, leveraging its strengths with the GCC and China for a more connected and resilient economic future.