Overview
- China has pledged to sign the SEANWFZ protocol once official documentation is finalized, marking its first formal commitment to the treaty
- ASEAN’s draft communique is set to express concern over US tariffs scheduled to begin August 1, including duties up to 40 percent on several member states
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting regional counterparts to rebuild confidence and address economic uncertainties caused by President Trump’s tariff strategy
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is promoting Moscow’s vision of a multipolar world order during parallel talks at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
- ASEAN nations are intensifying diplomatic engagement with global powers as they seek to diversify trade partnerships and reinforce regional security norms