China, ASEAN, and GCC outline regional cooperation plan

At the inaugural Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged the three parties to explore new models of international industrial and economic cooperation. This is reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on participating countries to explore new models of industrial cooperation and promote macroeconomic policy coordination. In his speech, he emphasised China's willingness to strengthen strategic ties with both ASEAN and GCC countries, while advocating mutual respect, equal treatment and practical cooperation.

The summit, held in Malaysia in parallel with the 46th ASEAN summit, signals a shift from geopolitics to pragmatic economic cooperation. Earlier, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised this focus:

"Our focus is back on the economic fundamentals," he said in an interview with TV BRICS.

Analysts believe that this emerging trilateral structure reflects a broader trend in global trade: a shift from global supply chains to more geographically concentrated and sustainable regional networks.

The summit also highlighted the growing role of ASEAN as a flexible platform for regional integration.

Experts note that this model of cooperation, based on economic complementarity, offers a realistic way forward for regions with diverse systems, values, and goals.