PM Anwar in Bangkok: Asean Stands United Against Unilateral US Tariffs, Embraces Multilateral Trade
Bangkok, April 18 — In the heart of bustling Bangkok, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took a firm, yet thoughtful stand on behalf of Southeast Asia. As global trade tensions rise, Anwar made it clear: Asean is united, and it rejects the idea of one country deciding tariffs for everyone else.
Speaking to the media after wrapping up his two-day working visit to Thailand, Anwar’s tone was calm but resolute. “We believe in dialogue. We believe in fair trade,” he said. “Unilateral tariffs — like the ones the United States has imposed — go against everything we’ve worked for as a region committed to multilateralism.”
During his discussions with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the topic of US tariffs—recently introduced under former President Donald Trump’s policy—was a major focus. These tariffs have already hit many Asean countries hard, with some nations like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam facing import duties as high as 49%.
“Rather than respond with retaliation, we’re responding with unity,” Anwar explained. “Asean isn’t just a regional bloc; it’s a family. And our collective voice says: let’s talk, not punish.”
Anwar shared that both Asean Trade and Finance Ministers are already coordinating to prepare for negotiations with the US, aiming to ensure fair treatment and open channels of communication.
Encouragingly, the Asean view isn’t isolated. Anwar pointed out that leaders from Japan and New Zealand — Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, respectively — also echoed the call for multilateral dialogue and cooperation.
While the US tariffs remain under a 90-day suspension for most countries (excluding China), the damage and uncertainty they bring are real. But Asean, backed by regional partners, isn’t backing down. They’re choosing to lead with diplomacy and collaboration, not conflict.
“This is not about going head-to-head with a global power,” Anwar concluded. “It’s about standing up for fairness, and for each other.”