Overview

• ASEAN leaders are prioritizing accelerated regional economic integration to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs, which have hit six member nations with rates as high as 49%.
• Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized the need for ASEAN unity to address global trade disruptions and external pressures from the U.S.–China rivalry.
• ASEAN reiterated its call for a ceasefire in Myanmar's civil war and pledged continued support for humanitarian aid and recovery efforts, including assistance after a deadly March earthquake.
• Myanmar's military leaders remain barred from ASEAN meetings due to their refusal to comply with the bloc's peace plan, which includes negotiations and aid delivery.
• The ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Malaysia sets the stage for upcoming summits with regional leaders and key partners, including China and the Gulf Cooperation Council.