Washington: ASEAN has consistently maintained a neutral stance in its relations with both the United States (US) and China, and this remains central to the region’s diplomatic approach, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. “So, while the US position and the Chinese position may have very different stances along the way, what ASEAN has been good at over all these years is to maintain some sense of neutrality — some sense of being able to trade with each other, to trade with both sides without getting into very difficult ‘gaps or mess’ along the way,” he said at the ASEAN Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, on Friday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Hamzah emphasized that a harmonious and open mechanism allows for better outcomes than a fractured one. This approach permits the bloc’s 10 member states, including Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, to foster constructive ties with both global powers while safeguarding regional stability and unity. He addressed concerns about whether individual member states engaging with the US separately might contradict ASEAN’s unified approach, noting the varying levels of development among member states.

ASEAN, as a bloc, boasts a combined gross domestic product of nearly US$3.8 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economic bloc globally. Amir Hamzah pointed out that while Singapore is high up the value chain, other members have different export and import profiles and skill sets. Despite these differences, there are common areas and potentials where ASEAN can work together to push for greater inter-ASEAN trade and predictability, as well as the deployment of joint infrastructure projects that benefit the overall ASEAN economy.

Amir Hamzah also discussed the need for a response to shifts in the global trading environment. He noted that ASEAN’s initial response to US reciprocal tariffs was non-retaliatory, aiming to create a conducive environment for dialogue. Although the tariffs are currently paused, Indochinese member states were significantly affected, with Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar facing high combined duties, while other member states experienced varying rates.

He reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to a multilateral and rule-based mechanism, recognizing the practical need for bilateral relationships alongside regional efforts. Amir Hamzah stressed the importance of communication among ASEAN members to ensure bilateral discussions do not adversely affect others. He concluded by asserting that the diversity within ASEAN does not weaken the bloc but highlights the necessity of balancing regional and national interests.