ASEAN Leaders Seeks Trump Summit Over U.S. Tariffs as Xi Jinping Heads to Malaysia

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia today is seen as a calculated move to solidify China’s economic influence in Southeast Asia, just as the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) nears completion and Washington reintroduces sweeping tariffs under President Donald Trump.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia today is seen as a calculated move to solidify China’s economic influence in Southeast Asia, just as the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) nears completion and Washington reintroduces sweeping tariffs under President Donald Trump. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)

ASEAN leaders have formally requested a special summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in response to newly announced reciprocal tariffs, as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares for an official state visit to Malaysia from April 15 to 17.

“All ASEAN leaders have agreed to go to the US to meet up with President Donald Trump during the summit,” Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said on Thursday.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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