The three-day summit of ASEAN member nations has begun in Malaysia, bringing together leaders from across Asia and beyond to discuss pressing regional and global issues.
According to Observer Guardian, the high-profile gathering in Kuala Lumpur aims to strengthen economic cooperation and political integration among Southeast Asian nations while addressing challenges such as the South China Sea tensions, the Gaza crisis, and ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The summit is being attended by United States President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Leaders from Brazil, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are also participating, reflecting the growing international significance of ASEAN’s role in global diplomacy.
Observer Guardian reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be physically present at the summit and is expected to join virtually. Discussions are also expected to include the formal acceptance of Timor-Leste as the eleventh member of the ASEAN bloc, marking an important milestone in the organization’s expansion.
The ASEAN summit, as noted by Observer Guardian, is viewed as a platform for both cooperation and competition, where the balance of power between the United States and China continues to shape the region’s political and economic future.
