In a strategic move to reinforce regional trade cooperation and counter escalating US tariffs, China and Malaysia have held high-level discussions focused on economic collaboration and a unified ASEAN response.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, convened via video call as part of Malaysia’s role as the current ASEAN chair. The dialogue, reported by Xinhua, covered bilateral trade cooperation and a collective stance against the United States’ proposed “reciprocal tariffs.”
Minister Wang criticised the US tariffs as a “unilateral bullying act” that undermines years of multilateral trade efforts and threatens global economic stability. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to implement countermeasures and called for greater coordination with ASEAN to preserve the multilateral trading system.
Tengku Zafrul echoed similar concerns, stating that the US measures are inconsistent with the principles of free and fair trade as outlined by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Malaysia has issued a formal statement opposing the policy and plans to consult ASEAN counterparts for a coordinated regional response.
Both ministers emphasised the importance of open dialogue, mutual respect, and multilateralism in addressing global trade challenges and sustaining regional economic resilience.
