BEIJING, Nov 7 – As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is acutely aware of the weight of this responsibility.
With the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Anwar envisioned an ASEAN where all member nations, irrespective of size or economic capacity, share equitably in the benefits of growth and development.
ASEAN, he said, has evolved into a region of 671 million people with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$3.8 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economy in the world.
“The complexities of our global landscape require ASEAN to take on new roles and responsibilities,” said Anwar.
Anwar shared his thoughts while delivering a public lecture, titled Bridging Futures: Strengthening Malaysia-China Relations and ASEAN Centrality in a Shifting Global Order, at Peking University, on Thursday, which was attended by about 200 students, partly Malaysians.
To achieve this, Anwar said Malaysia will champion the principle of ASEAN centrality.
“This is a concept that places ASEAN at the heart of regional peace, security and economic cooperation,” he said.
According to Anwar, ASEAN centrality is the foundation that allows the region to interact constructively with global powers while maintaining our independence and promoting regional stability.
Above all, he said, ASEAN centrality can only be maintained if Southeast Asia is cohesive and united.
He added that ASEAN-China relations also reflects their shared commitment to innovation and emerging technologies.
Anwar said China has made significant strides in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and green energy, which ASEAN views as essential areas of cooperation for addressing global challenges and promoting long-term resilience.
In 2025, Anwar said Malaysia will initiate a trilateral forum involving ASEAN, China, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which will introduce a unique dimension to ASEAN-China relations.
This platform, he noted, aims to expand ASEAN’s partnerships and recognise the Gulf region’s growing significance in global trade and geopolitics.
Looking towards strengthening ASEAN-China relations and Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship, Anwar said it is essential that “we draw inspiration from the principles that guide our cooperation”.
On this score, Anwar stated he was deeply moved by President Xi Jinping’s steadfast commitment to fairness and justice.
He cited Xi’s address marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, by saying: “China advocates the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and China believes in true multilateralism.”
Anwar is on a four-day working visit to China, beginning November
