Anwar Ibrahim Urges Peace Dialogue at East Asia Summit

At a time when global tensions are high and rivalries are reshaping Asia’s future, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a powerful message at the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur — urging world leaders to choose dialogue over coercion and cooperation over confrontation. His words resonated deeply as the summit opened amid an intensifying power struggle between the United States and China over influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The East Asia Summit, which brings together ASEAN nations along with key partners — China, the U.S., India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Russia, and New Zealand — served as a crucial stage for Anwar’s appeal for peace and unity. “We must renew our shared purpose and stand for global peace and security,” Anwar said, setting a tone of diplomacy in a forum overshadowed by strategic competition.

This year’s East Asia Summit carries historic weight — following the signing of a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand and new U.S. trade recalibrations across Southeast Asia. U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended ASEAN meetings before leaving for Japan, emphasized expanding partnerships to secure critical minerals and reduce dependence on China, reflecting Washington’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy.

Meanwhile, China’s Premier Li Qiang presented a different vision, stressing sovereignty, non-interference, and connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative. Experts say the U.S.–China rivalry loomed over every conversation — from trade and security to regional cooperation — yet ASEAN managed to maintain its neutral stance, focusing on balance and stability.

Analysts, including former Malaysian ambassador Ilango Karuppannan, note that this East Asia Summit will be remembered not only for its diplomatic balancing act but also for Anwar’s passionate plea for engagement. He praised Trump’s efforts to mediate the Gaza conflict but insisted that “more must be done to ensure lasting peace for the Palestinian people.” His words struck a chord, reflecting Malaysia’s long-standing support for justice and multilateral peace efforts.

On North Korea, Anwar urged continued dialogue despite growing missile threats. “Once we call for engagement from Gaza to Ukraine to Myanmar, we should not exclude North Korea,” he said, reinforcing Malaysia’s consistent message of diplomacy over division. He also addressed South China Sea tensions, warning that outside interference could escalate conflicts and urging all parties to adhere to international law and support the ongoing Code of Conduct negotiations.

The East Asia Summit 2025 also highlighted economic resilience through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which now covers one-third of global GDP. Leaders from China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen supply chains and support multilateral trade amid the impact of U.S. tariffs.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to double non-U.S. exports within a decade, while Malaysia revealed the completion of a free trade pact with South Korea — both seen as moves to diversify trade and reduce vulnerability to American tariff policies.

For Malaysia, this East Asia Summit marked a defining moment. With the U.S. pushing economic partnerships, China promoting connectivity, and ASEAN navigating neutrality, Anwar Ibrahim’s call for dialogue stood out as a message of hope — a reminder that Asia’s strength lies not in division, but in collective cooperation.

In a world divided by politics and power, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reignited a conversation about peace, dialogue, and unity — making this year’s East Asia Summit not just another diplomatic gathering, but a defining moment for Asia’s future