ASEAN Summit A Test Of Bloc’s Unity And Credibility As US, China Leaders Attend

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The 47th ASEAN Summit hosted by Malaysia is shaping up to be a defining test of the regional bloc's credibility, unity and diplomatic balance as United States (US) President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Li Qiang are set to attend, a rare convergence of the world's two largest powers on ASEAN soil.

Their simultaneous presence is expected to transform the summit into a critical test of ASEAN’s long-standing principle of centrality amid mounting strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

Department of Political Science and MADANI Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) lecturer Professor Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi said ASEAN's strength lies not in taking sides, but in building bridges.

He said the participation of both Washington and Beijing's top leaders reaffirms ASEAN's position as a trusted platform for dialogue and conflict prevention.

Zainal Abidin said amid global tensions and shifting alliances, the summit will reveal whether ASEAN can continue to act as a neutral and sustainable convener in an increasingly polarised world.

The summit will not only highlight ASEAN’s diplomatic dexterity but also its moral coherence and ability to engage all partners without being drawn into rivalry, he told Bernama today.

"ASEAN's sustainability depends on balance, the ability to keep peace while advancing prosperity. This is where Malaysia's leadership through principled pragmatism becomes crucial," he said.

He added that the presence of both Trump and Li gives a rare opportunity for ASEAN to demonstrate that cooperation remains possible when anchored in shared responsibility and sustainability.

Thus, he said Malaysia should seize the moment to promote an ASEAN Sustainability Compact initiatives, linking economic growth with environmental stewardship and social resilience.

Under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability", Zainal Abidin said Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship seeks to integrate environmental, economic and social sustainability into the bloc’s long-term agenda, and this approach aligns with Malaysia's MADANI vision which emphasises values-driven development.

"The summit provides an opportunity to advance the green economy, digital transformation and equitable growth, while strengthening regional stability through cooperation with both superpowers," he said.

Zainal Abidin said in balancing relations between Washington and Beijing, ASEAN must navigate the strategic competition between the US and China with prudence and collective strength.

"ASEAN should not be seen as a pawn in power politics, but as a platform of shared leadership," he added.

He said as the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly fragmented, ASEAN's unity and its ability to project moral and diplomatic consistency will determine its relevance for the next generation.

"The founding vision of 'peace through cooperation' must now evolve into 'sustainability through shared responsibility'," he said.

As the world's attention turns to Kuala Lumpur, Zainal Abidin concluded that ASEAN must demonstrate that unity and values-driven leadership remain its most sustainable advantage.

-- BERNAMA