By Vijian Paramasivam
PHNOM PENH, Oct 11 (Bernama) — Regional scholars are urging stronger cooperation between ASEAN and the Global South to tackle escalating trade and geopolitical challenges, emphasising that safeguarding supply chains is essential to sustaining economic resilience.
ASEAN must continue to strengthen the South-South cooperation, supported by multilateral frameworks such as BRICS+ and the Belt and Road Initiative, to enhance its strategic autonomy, experts say.
“We need to strengthen and protect ASEAN supply chains, which are the backbone of the regional economy. ASEAN should embrace both regionalism and globalism in a way that aligns our concerted efforts that put the interests of both people and the planet at the centre,” the Asian Cultural Council Chairman Suos Yara said at the Fourth Phnom Penh Forum recently.
The clarion calls arise amid increasing trade rivalry between major economies like the United States (US) and China, which remain at odds over tariff issues.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced a 100 per cent trade import tariff on goods from China effective November 1, a move which could jolt the global economy and potentially trigger a recession.
Meanwhile, Prof Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, from Peking University, China, said that the 21st century is witnessing a historic shift, with the economic and political weight of the Global South rising.
The BRICS+ economies now account for nearly 36 per cent of global GDP and more than 45 per cent of the world’s population, and the platform is growing into a political and diplomatic coordination forum for the Global South nations.
(The BRICS+ includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran.)
“As the tide of global power continues to shift, ASEAN must navigate the currents of competition with wisdom, prudence and unity.
“The essence of South–South cooperation lies not in rivalry with the North, but in redefining the global system toward greater equity and inclusiveness,” Anna Rosario said at the forum.
She said if ASEAN can combine economic pragmatism with strategic foresight – anchored in its centrality and unity – then the region can indeed lead the Global South.
“The challenges we face are complex and interconnected. No single country can confront them alone. The deepening partnership between ASEAN and China stands as a compelling example, yielding mutual gains in trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
“This contrast presents ASEAN with both a challenge and an opportunity,” said International Relations Institute of Cambodia Director-General Dr Kin Phea.
— BERNAMA