Trump’s Tariffs Target ‘China Plus One’ Export Hubs; ASEAN Pursues Unified Response

Malaysia and Indonesia are leading ASEAN talks to coordinate a response after Trump’s new tariffs hit Southeast Asia’s China-linked exporters, raising concerns of deeper regional ties with Beijing.
Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim said Friday that Malaysia will consult ASEAN member states to form a collective response to the United States' new reciprocal tariffs, stressing the need to uphold fairness in international trade. (Photo: AFP)

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Friday that Malaysia will consult ASEAN member states to form a collective response to the United States’ new reciprocal tariffs, stressing the need to uphold fairness in international trade.

Anwar said he has already contacted regional leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and plans to speak with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

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