Asean Must Speak with One Clear and United Voice Amid Global Uncertainties

As Asean navigates intensifying global rivalries and growing economic uncertainties, the region's leaders must present a unified front to achieve long-term prosperity, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Speaking at the Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers' Meeting, he emphasized the importance of clear and united communication in addressing profound shifts in global power competition, supply chains, and technology, security, and economics.

Key Takeaways:

• Asean must speak with a clear and united voice to champion openness, neutrality, and long-term prosperity in the region, according to Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
• Protectionism and great-power rivalry are eroding multilateralism, and Asean must remain steadfast in its strategic interests anchored in Asean centrality.
• The consequences of these trends are far-reaching and tangible, with protectionism on the rise and multilateralism under pressure.
• Asean's approach must be clear, coherent, and cohesive in navigating this new reality, with a focus on dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation.
• The bloc recognizes that trade and investment are no longer insulated from the turbulence of geopolitics and aims to break down silos and act in concert to present a unified and strategic front.

Statistics:

• Asean is the world's fifth-largest economic bloc.
• Protectionism is on the rise, with numerous examples of protectionist policies being implemented worldwide.
• Multilateralism is under pressure, with global trade agreements and institutions facing significant challenges.
• Asean Vision 2045 aims to achieve strategic equilibrium, encourage dialogues, and build trust to ensure Southeast Asia remains a platform for collaboration among all partners.

Sources:

• "Malaysian Foreign Minister: Asean must speak with one clear and united voice amid global uncertainties," _CORRECTED MALAY Mail Online_ (no publication date).
• Meeting of the Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers (no publication date).