The ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur convenes leaders from Southeast Asia, China, and the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss economic resilience amid US tariff threats. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of collaboration to navigate global economic challenges. The summit aims to deepen ties and promote trade, as the GCC is ASEAN's seventh largest trade partner. With rising protectionism, ASEAN seeks to diversify its economic relationships, particularly with China, while maintaining a neutral stance in US-China tensions. The meeting highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape and the need for multilateral cooperation.