Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted the weaponization of global trade against weaker nations, emphasizing that tariffs, export restrictions, and investment barriers are being used as tools of geopolitical rivalry. He described the current climate as a new reality where trade is increasingly defined by power dynamics. Anwar made these remarks during a summit of ASEAN foreign ministers amid US tariff threats, indicating that urgent trade agreements are needed to avoid steep tariffs affecting several Southeast Asian nations. The situation is influencing US diplomatic efforts in the region, particularly under Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Anwar warned of global trade being weaponised against weaker countries, stating that tools that once generated growth are now being used to pressure, isolate, and contain.
Tariffs, export restrictions, and investment barriers have become sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry, fundamentally changing the definition and nature of international trade.
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