• ASEAN, GCC, and China held a historic first summit to enhance cooperation amid global economic uncertainties.
• The leaders pledged to work on trade agreements, energy collaboration, and regional stability.
• Trade figures show significant economic ties, with ASEAN and GCC representing a GDP of nearly $25 trillion.
• The summit emphasized the importance of a rules-based trading system amid rising US protectionism.
• Challenges remain due to differing priorities and relationships with major powers like the US.

At the inaugural summit held in Kuala Lumpur, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China pledged to foster a new model of cooperation in response to global economic challenges. The meeting addressed rising uncertainties due to US protectionist policies, particularly under former President Donald Trump's administration, with ASEAN leaders emphasizing their intent to promote a mutually beneficial partnership focused on trade and energy collaboration, according to Channel News Asia and SCMP.

The summit marked a significant diplomatic milestone as ASEAN, comprising ten member states, engaged with the GCC, consisting of key oil-producing nations including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with China, a global economic superpower. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim termed the gathering a "new chapter of dialogue and cooperation," highlighting the potential of these regions working in synergy despite varied stages of development and historical contexts, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

Both the GCC and China have established partnerships with ASEAN in the past, but this summit represents their first formal integration of economic dialogues and strategic alignments at the trilateral level. Leaders from all three regions recognized the challenges posed by globalization and expressed a commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system aimed at benefiting their economies and populations. The joint statement released highlighted concerns about the global economic environment and emphasized cooperation on energy, trade, and infrastructure, as detailed by SCMP and SCMP.

The leaders also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the areas of digital economy and green energy, recognizing these as pivotal sectors for sustainable development. Chinese Premier Li Qiang underscored the need for enhanced connectivity amid discussions about developing infrastructure to better facilitate regional trade. His remarks resonated with ASEAN’s goals for economic development and integration, as reported by Channel News Asia and SCMP.

In a broader context, the summit also served as a platform to address the implications of regional conflicts, including the situations in Gaza and Myanmar, reflecting the participants' commitment to promoting peace and stability. The joint statement condemned violence against civilians and reiterated support for a two-state solution regarding Palestine, highlighting hope for sustained humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, according to Al Jazeera and SCMP.

Analysts note that while the summit’s ambitions are high, competing interests among the three parties could present challenges in establishing a cohesive partnership, especially given their existing relationships with the US. The complexity of balancing developmental disparities, economic structures, and geopolitical considerations indicates that achieving seamless trilateral cooperation will necessitate careful navigation of these varying interests and priorities, as emphasized by Channel News Asia and SCMP.