Anwar for dialogue over coercion at E Asia summit

October 28, 2025 00:00:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (AP): Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday called on Asia-Pacific leaders to prioritize dialogue over coercion and cooperation over confrontation as he opened the East Asia Summit amid rising U.S.-China rivalry.

The summit brings together ASEAN members and key partners including the U.S., China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia to discuss regional political, security, and economic challenges.

In his opening remarks, Anwar emphasized multilateralism and adherence to international law, saying, "We continue to advocate for dialogue over coercion...and cooperation over confrontation. We affirm our stand on global peace and security."

The gathering followed U.S. President Donald Trump's departure for Japan after attending ASEAN meetings in Malaysia, where he witnessed economic agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, and supported an expanded ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

Analysts expect discussions to focus on tensions in the South China Sea, North Korea's missile launches, and internal crises such as Myanmar's prolonged conflict. Anwar highlighted the importance of regional engagement, including a "Code of Conduct" for the South China Sea, and reaffirmed ASEAN's 2021 Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar.

The U.S. delegation is set to stress freedom of navigation and trade security, while China is expected to highlight sovereignty, noninterference, and connectivity initiatives like the Belt and Road. Observers say ASEAN will likely maintain neutrality to foster regional cooperation.

Trade issues were also prominent, with Malaysia completing a free trade pact with South Korea and the RCEP partners reaffirming commitment to economic integration. Canada announced plans to accelerate free trade talks with ASEAN to counter the impact of U.S. tariffs.

Anwar further welcomed Trump's efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict and called for engagement with North Korea to reduce tensions, emphasizing diplomacy as the path to regional stability.