At the end of May, Malaysia hosted a historic first-of-its-kind trilateral summit attended by representatives from Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN), Gulf countries (GCC), and China. The summit aimed to strengthen interregional cooperation and formulate a joint response to economic and geopolitical challenges, in light of the Trump administration’s unilateral tariff policies and growing tensions on the global stage. Discussions focused on expanding partnerships in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, energy, and sustainable development. Additionally, participants expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a ceasefire and the promotion of a political solution.
Together, the ASEAN and GCC blocs and China represent a significant economic and demographic force that have a major influence on the global economy. According to the World Bank, the combined GDP of these countries in 2023 was approximately $23.7 trillion—about 22.3% of global GDP. Collectively, they represent a massive consumer market of around 2.15 billion people—highlighting the immense economic potential of this trilateral partnership.
The summit in Malaysia built upon the historic ASEAN–GCC meeting held in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and, for the first time, was expanded into a trilateral framework with the inclusion of China. This meeting may mark the beginning of a triangular interregional cooperation, where each side seeks to leverage its strengths to advance joint initiatives—particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and supply chains.
For China, the summit presents a strategic opportunity to solidify its position as a reliable and stable economic partner, in contrast to the protectionist approach of the United States under the Trump administration. Moreover, China’s participation allows it to promote a multipolar world order and strengthen its economic and diplomatic standing within the ASEAN and GCC blocs—while advancing long-term Chinese interests such as expanding Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and securing access to strategic resources in these regions.
At the end of May, Malaysia hosted a historic first-of-its-kind trilateral summit attended by representatives from Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN), Gulf countries (GCC), and China. The summit aimed to strengthen interregional cooperation and formulate a joint response to economic and geopolitical challenges, in light of the Trump administration’s unilateral tariff policies and growing tensions on the global stage. Discussions focused on expanding partnerships in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, energy, and sustainable development. Additionally, participants expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a ceasefire and the promotion of a political solution.
Together, the ASEAN and GCC blocs and China represent a significant economic and demographic force that have a major influence on the global economy. According to the World Bank, the combined GDP of these countries in 2023 was approximately $23.7 trillion—about 22.3% of global GDP. Collectively, they represent a massive consumer market of around 2.15 billion people—highlighting the immense economic potential of this trilateral partnership.
The summit in Malaysia built upon the historic ASEAN–GCC meeting held in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and, for the first time, was expanded into a trilateral framework with the inclusion of China. This meeting may mark the beginning of a triangular interregional cooperation, where each side seeks to leverage its strengths to advance joint initiatives—particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and supply chains.
For China, the summit presents a strategic opportunity to solidify its position as a reliable and stable economic partner, in contrast to the protectionist approach of the United States under the Trump administration. Moreover, China’s participation allows it to promote a multipolar world order and strengthen its economic and diplomatic standing within the ASEAN and GCC blocs—while advancing long-term Chinese interests such as expanding Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and securing access to strategic resources in these regions.