ASEAN leaders agree on U.S. tariff talks, urge expanded Myanmar ceasefire
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reached an understanding that any bilateral tariff agreements with the United States should not harm the economies of fellow member states, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the conclusion of the ASEAN summit held in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Anwar—who currently chairs the regional bloc—said there was a consensus that any trade deals negotiated with Washington must safeguard the collective interests of the region.
“While proceeding with bilateral negotiations … the consensus rose to have some sort of understanding with ASEAN that decisions should not be at the expense of any other country,” Anwar stated. “So we will have to protect the turf of 650 or 660 million people.”
The summit comes amid ongoing global market instability and as Southeast Asia grapples with the economic impact of new U.S. tariffs. The so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump, could see duties of between 32% and 49% imposed on exports from six ASEAN countries as early as July, unless reduction agreements are reached.
With a combined gross domestic product exceeding \$3.8 trillion, ASEAN nations rely heavily on exports to the United States, making them particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions. Anwar confirmed he had formally requested a meeting with President Trump to discuss the tariffs and their implications for the region.
The summit also included economic discussions involving ASEAN leaders, Gulf countries, and China, represented by Premier Li Qiang.
In addition to trade concerns, ASEAN leaders addressed the escalating humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, calling for a nationwide ceasefire as a first step toward ending the conflict. The Southeast Asian nation has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021 that led to widespread rebellion and displacement.
The leaders urged all stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust and engage in dialogue. “We further called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire in Myanmar, as an initial step towards the cessation of violence,” the joint statement read.
The call follows a temporary truce that emerged after a deadly earthquake in March, which killed over 3,800 people. However, ceasefire violations by the military have continued, according to reports from the United Nations and conflict monitors.
Anwar noted that ASEAN had made “significant” strides in engaging both the Myanmar junta and opposition forces. He recently held a closed-door meeting with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok and conducted virtual talks with the National Unity Government, which is aligned with anti-junta forces.
“Now we have gone to a stage where both parties are now in consultation, although at the lower key level,” Anwar said, emphasizing the need to extend the existing truce and push for broader dialogue. The remarks follow comments by Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who signaled plans to advocate for increased international engagement with Myanmar’s military leadership, which remains under heavy sanctions and diplomatic isolation by Western nations. scan this news story for grammatical errors and give it a catchy concise and understandable headline
