TRILATERAL ALLIANCE BETWEEN ASEAN, GCC AND CHINA PROPOSED BY MALAYSIA AIMS TO COUNTERWEIGH PROLONGED GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY
By: An-Nahdah Editorial Team
Date: 7 January 2025
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has proposed a trilateral alliance among ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China to enhance regional cooperation and economic growth. He emphasizes that each party brings unique strengths: the GCC’s substantial capital, ASEAN’s abundant natural resources and development potential, and China’s vast market. Anwar suggests that this collaboration could help bridge the economic gap between Eastern and Western developed nations.
As Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025, Anwar has invited China to participate in the upcoming ASEAN-GCC summit, believing that China’s involvement would significantly influence regional growth. Additionally, Anwar has advocated for initiating negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between ASEAN and the GCC, aiming to formalize and strengthen economic ties between the two regions.
The trilateral alliance between ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), and China has the potential to create significant benefits in various areas due to the complementary strengths and strategic interests of these regions. Below are the potential areas of opportunities:
Economic Growth and Trade Expansion
Increased Trade: Enhanced cooperation could boost trade volumes, with ASEAN providing manufacturing and agricultural goods, GCC offering energy resources, and China contributing high-tech and consumer products.
Market Access: ASEAN and GCC nations gain better access to China’s massive consumer market, while China benefits from new opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
Energy Security and Sustainability
Stable Energy Supply: GCC’s abundant oil and gas resources can meet the growing energy demands of ASEAN and China, fostering energy security.
Renewable Energy Cooperation: Collaboration on clean energy technologies and renewable energy development aligns with global sustainability goals.
Energy Investments: Increased Chinese investments in Gulf energy infrastructure and ASEAN energy transition projects.
Infrastructure Development
Connectivity: Investments in ports, railways, and highways linking ASEAN, the Gulf, and China could enhance trade routes and reduce transportation costs.
Smart Cities: China’s expertise in smart city technology could support urbanization in ASEAN and the Gulf.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
Tourism: Increased connectivity and economic ties may boost tourism flows, benefiting local economies.
Educational Collaboration: Scholarships, academic exchange programs, and cultural initiatives could strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.
Geopolitical Stability and Strategic Collaboration
Regional Stability: Trilateral dialogue can address common security concerns, such as piracy, terrorism, and regional conflicts.
Geopolitical Balance: Strengthened ties may provide a counterbalance to other global powers and foster multipolarity in international relations.
Technological and Industrial Collaboration
Technology Transfer: ASEAN and GCC countries could benefit from China’s technological advancements in AI, 5G, and digital infrastructure.
Industrial Development: Joint ventures in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and green industries could accelerate industrialization in less developed areas.
Diversification of Economic Partnerships
Reduced Dependency: For GCC nations, deeper ties with ASEAN and China help diversify economies away from oil dependence. For ASEAN, collaboration mitigates over-reliance on Western economies.
Resilience: Broader economic networks enhance resilience against global economic shocks.
Support for Multilateralism
Global Governance: Coordinated eTorts between ASEAN, GCC, and China could strengthen multilateral institutions and promote cooperation on global challenges like climate change and public health.
In summary, the alliance oTers a synergy of resources, expertise, and strategic positions, enabling sustainable growth and improved regional and global cooperation. However, achieving these benefits will require careful negotiation to address differences in priorities and mitigate geopolitical challenges.