Summit Diplomacy: China Courts Southeast Asian and Arab Nations Amid U.S. Trade Tensions

In a strategic diplomatic move, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is slated to head to Malaysia this May. With Southeast Asian and Arab delegates convening, Beijing's vision is clear: counter Washington's tariff measures. Sources indicate the high-stakes ASEAN-GCC-China summit could mark a significant shift in regional alliances.

Li's visit comes at a time of strained global trade relations, exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff policies. These have rattled markets and left China seeking stronger bilateral ties, particularly with significant trading partners in Europe and Asia. This summit follows President Xi Jinping's call for ASEAN unity against economic pressures.

The summit takes place after a pivotal trade discussion in Switzerland, foreshadowing deeper economic dialogues between Beijing and Washington. While trade predates recent tariffs, unresolved trade issues will dominate the agenda, with China's enormous trade partnerships with ASEAN and the GCC at the forefront of discussions.

(With inputs from agencies.)