Will Southeast Asian nations pick sides between the US and China?
Briefly

At a recent summit in Kuala Lumpur, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) addressed the mounting pressures from the escalating trade disputes between the United States and China. ASEAN member countries are strategically reevaluating their economic partnerships, leaning toward stronger trade relations with China and Gulf nations as they navigate the complexities introduced by Trump's tariffs. This balancing act is crucial for their economic resilience and reflects a broader intent among Southeast Asian nations to enhance their regional economic collaborations and insulate against external economic shocks.
Southeast Asian nations are navigating a complex landscape due to increasing tensions between the United States and China, while also facing economic pressures from tariffs.
At the recent ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, member countries articulated their intent to recalibrate economic partnerships, forging deeper trade ties with nations like China and Gulf countries.
Trade-dependent ASEAN nations find themselves in a high-stakes balancing act, torn between maintaining strategic neutrality and ensuring economic survival amidst escalating global trade conflicts.
The clear message from the ASEAN summit reflects a strategic urgency; Southeast Asian countries are not only seeking to insulate their economies but also enhance regional collaborations.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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