At the first-ever ASEAN–GCC–China Summit, held recently, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China came together to chart a new blueprint for Asian cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for deepening strategic alignment among the three parties, enhancing macroeconomic policy coordination, and fostering partnerships based on mutual respect and equal treatment.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, presenting a constructive response to the rising tide of protectionism and unilateral trade measures in other parts of the world. By strengthening ties, ASEAN, the GCC, and China aim to build a resilient, interconnected regional network that can withstand external shocks and promote shared prosperity.
ASEAN, comprising ten Southeast Asian nations, represents the world’s fifth-largest economy. The GCC, made up of six Gulf Arab states, holds significant global energy reserves and boasts some of the world’s highest per capita GDPs. Together with China, one of the world’s largest economies, this trilateral partnership has the potential to reshape economic dynamics in Asia and beyond.
Premier Li’s proposal emphasizes economic cooperation as the “greatest common denominator” among these diverse regions. By focusing on shared interests, the three parties can overcome differences in religion, political systems, and cultures to achieve common goals. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted this focus on economics over geopolitics, stating, “Our focus is back on the economic fundamentals.”
Key areas of cooperation include energy, technology, and the development of digital infrastructure. By reducing cross-border friction costs—such as customs inefficiencies and regulatory inconsistencies—the partnership aims to create a more efficient operating environment. This will allow for smoother trade, investment, and innovation across the region.
The ASEAN–GCC–China framework also represents a strategic approach to regional integration. By working within overlapping cooperation frameworks, ASEAN demonstrates its ability to balance inclusiveness with flexibility. This approach allows for progress even when broader consensus is challenging to achieve.
Furthermore, this summit reinforces the “China opportunity” narrative, highlighting how China’s growth and stability contribute positively to the global economy. A stable and forward-looking China serves as an anchor amid global uncertainties, offering development opportunities through initiatives like the Belt and Road.
The inaugural summit has set the stage for a new era of Asian cooperation. By fostering partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared interests, ASEAN, the GCC, and China are taking significant steps toward building a stable and prosperous region that can serve as a stabilizer for the world.
