The first-ever ASEAN-China-GCC Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 27 May 2025[1]. Against the backdrop of U.S. protectionism, supply chain de-risking, oil market volatility in the Middle East, and China’s promotion of South-South cooperation, the Summit marked a milestone in building trilateral relations based on mutual benefit and equality[2].
The Joint Statement issued at the conclusion of the Summit addressed multiple areas, ranging from support for a rule-based trading order to a call for peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue[3]. Its significance, however, lies in laying the foundation for a structured trilateral framework beyond traditional diplomatic formats.
