China calls on Asean to back openness as US levies loom

US could hit Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand with 25% to 40% tariffs

Last updated: July 10, 2025 | 08:20

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Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa, Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Malaysia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad Hasan, Laos' Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Brunei's Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Erywan Yusof, Cambodia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn, Myanmar's Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kyaw Nyun Oo, Timor-Leste's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bendito dos Santos Freitas and Secretary General of the ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn pose for a group photo as they attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Post-Ministerial Conference with China during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur on July 10, 2025.

AFP

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Southeast Asian nations to uphold openness and cooperation Thursday, delivering a message of inclusivity as President Donald Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on nations across the region.

“Together with the Asean countries, we will promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness,” Wang said at a meeting between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur.

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Revitalising Asia

The two blocs should “strengthen the revitalisation of Asia amid the historical trend that the Global South is showing a remarkable growth,” Wang added.

His remarks come as Trump rolls out higher tariffs on key US trading partners. Starting August 1, goods from Malaysia will face 25% tariffs.

Laos and Myanmar could see duties rise to 40%, while Cambodia and Thailand face 36%, and Indonesia 32%.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also in Malaysia for the Asean meetings, though it’s unclear if he and Wang will meet.

Such a meeting could expand discussions beyond trade and help pave the way for a possible summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump has said he hopes to meet later this year.

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