Tariffs, AI potential and cautious optimism on China: Southeast Asia weighs path ahead
The “China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025” in Kuala Lumpur highlighted both the economic potential of the ASEAN region and the looming threat of potential US tariffs under a new Trump administration. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized ASEAN's need to expand global partnerships to mitigate external shocks, while speakers expressed concerns about the impact of Trump's "unpredictability" and potential tariff impositions on the region's growth.
Former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying suggested that the uncertainty created by a potential Trump presidency presents an opportunity for Hong Kong to strengthen its role as a "superconnector" between mainland China and ASEAN. Current Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also pledged to make Hong Kong more Muslim-friendly to attract business and tourism from Southeast Asia, further solidifying its regional ties. Anwar stressed Malaysia's non-aligned stance and its commitment to avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
The “China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025” in Kuala Lumpur highlighted both the economic potential of the ASEAN region and the looming threat of potential US tariffs under a new Trump administration. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized ASEAN's need to expand global partnerships to mitigate external shocks, while speakers expressed concerns about the impact of Trump's "unpredictability" and potential tariff impositions on the region's growth.
Former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying suggested that the uncertainty created by a potential Trump presidency presents an opportunity for Hong Kong to strengthen its role as a "superconnector" between mainland China and ASEAN. Current Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also pledged to make Hong Kong more Muslim-friendly to attract business and tourism from Southeast Asia, further solidifying its regional ties. Anwar stressed Malaysia's non-aligned stance and its commitment to avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
