On May 27, 2025, ASEAN, China, and GCC leaders held a historic summit in Kuala Lumpur, launching a wide-ranging cooperation framework. They committed to stronger economic integration, energy security, digital innovation, and sustainable development. The joint statement also took a strong political stance on Gaza, demanding a ceasefire, supporting Palestinian statehood, and endorsing mediation efforts by Qatar, China, and Saudi Arabia. Key outcomes include support for local currency trade, renewable energy projects, AI and blockchain collaboration, food security, and cultural exchange. Future coordination will continue through joint mechanisms and upcoming summits in Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi.
In a landmark trilateral summit held on May 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, leaders of ASEAN, China, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unveiled an ambitious joint statement outlining a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation across trade, energy, digital technology, and sustainable development. The statement reaffirmed core principles such as multilateralism, sovereignty, and a rules-based global order while emphasizing regional financial integration, expanded use of local currencies in cross-border payments, and the urgent completion of the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement and China-ASEAN FTA Upgrade 3.0.
On political and humanitarian fronts, the summit delivered a powerful stance on the Gaza crisis. Leaders condemned all attacks on civilians and demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire. They called for unrestricted humanitarian access, restoration of essential services in Gaza, and adherence to international humanitarian law. The statement voiced strong support for Qatar and China’s mediation efforts, Saudi Arabia’s initiative with Norway and the EU to establish a timeline for Palestinian statehood, and the ICJ’s advisory opinion regarding Israel’s occupation. It explicitly backed a two-state solution based on 1967 borders and recognized UN General Assembly resolutions promoting Palestinian rights and statehood.
The declaration also introduced a broad spectrum of forward-looking initiatives in renewable energy, advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain, food security, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation. Key projects include transnational energy grids, investments in hydrogen and LNG infrastructure, civil nuclear cooperation, and workforce upskilling for green transitions. Implementation will proceed through established ASEAN-China-GCC mechanisms, with upcoming summits in Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi expected to sustain momentum. At its core, the pact aims to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous future through resilient and inclusive multilateral partnerships.