Overview

• ASEAN, China and GCC members signed a joint communique pledging deeper cooperation across trade, supply chains, infrastructure and finance.
• The summit launched formal free-trade negotiations between the GCC and China and called for an upgrade of the ASEAN-China free trade area.
• ASEAN leaders expressed deep concern over US unilateral tariffs on six member states and pledged not to impose retaliatory measures.
• China’s Premier Li Qiang framed the agreement as a step toward a multipolar economic order and cast Beijing as a reliable partner in the face of rising protectionism.
• Gulf states emphasized diversification of their economic partnerships by offering capital for Southeast Asian technology, renewable energy and infrastructure projects.