China urges South-east Asia to back openness as US tariffs loom
The two should “strengthen the revitalisation of Asia”
[KUALA LUMPUR] Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on South-east Asian nations to uphold openness and cooperation on Thursday (Jul 10), delivering a message of inclusivity as President Donald Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on nations across the region.
“Together with the Asean countries, we will promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness,” Wang said at a meeting between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Kuala Lumpur.
The two should “strengthen the revitalisation of Asia amid the historical trend that the Global South is showing a remarkable growth,” Wang added.
His remarks come as Trump rolls out higher tariffs on key US trading partners. Starting Aug 1, goods from Malaysia will face 25 per cent tariffs. Laos and Myanmar could see duties rise to 40 per cent, while Cambodia and Thailand face 36 per cent, and Indonesia 32 per cent.
In a meeting with Vietnam’s foreign minister, Wang said China is willing to work with Vietnam to safeguard the legitimate interests of all countries. His remarks follow Washington’s plan to impose a 20 per cent tariff on Vietnamese exports under a new trade framework, along with a steeper 40 per cent duty on goods deemed to be transshipped, targeting a well-worn backdoor used by Chinese exporters since the first China-US trade war to dodge American tariffs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also in Malaysia for the Asean meetings, though it’s unclear if he and Wang will meet. Such a meeting could expand discussions beyond trade and help pave the way for a possible summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump has said he hopes to meet later this year.
Wang, speaking at another gathering between Asean nations, China, Japan and South Korea, called on the countries to eliminate external interference and work together to drive new growth in areas like electric vehicles and connectivity.
“Unity and cooperation is our only and natural choice,” he said. BLOOMBERG
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