US President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Li Qiang will make a rare joint appearance at the 47th ASEAN Summit, making the Kuala Lumpur-hosted summit a key test of ASEAN’s prestige, unity, and diplomatic balance.
As strategic competition between Washington and Beijing intensifies, the simultaneous attendance by both leaders turns this summit into a critical moment to assess ASEAN’s principle of "centrality."
Professor Zainal Abidin, lecturer at the Department of Political Science and Madani Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), noted that ASEAN’s strength lies not in picking sides, but in building bridges.
He said the presence of top leaders from both Washington and Beijing once again affirms ASEAN’s position as a trustworthy platform for dialogue and conflict prevention.
Speaking to Bernama, Zainal Abidin said, at a time of global tensions and ever-changing alliances, this summit will reveal whether ASEAN can continue its neutral and sustained role as a convener in an increasingly polarized world.
He pointed out that this summit will not only highlight ASEAN’s diplomatic flexibility, but also demonstrate its moral consistency and its ability to cooperate with all partners without falling into competition.
"ASEAN’s longevity depends on balance—on being able to promote prosperity while maintaining peace. This is precisely where Malaysia’s leadership, through principled pragmatism, is key."
He said the attendance of Trump and Li Qiang gives ASEAN a rare opportunity to prove that as long as common responsibility and sustainability are anchored, cooperation is still possible.
Therefore, he hopes that Malaysia seizes the moment to promote ASEAN’s sustainability initiatives, integrating economic growth with environmental management and social resilience.
Zainal Abidin pointed out that as ASEAN’s chair in 2025, Malaysia is fulfilling its hosting duties with a theme of "inclusivity and sustainability," and is committed to incorporating environmental, economic, and social sustainability into ASEAN’s long-term agenda. This aligns with Madani Malaysia’s vision of values-driven development.
"This summit provides an opportunity to promote the green economy, digital transformation, and equitable growth, while strengthening regional stability through cooperation with both superpowers."
He said, in balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, ASEAN must respond to US-China strategic competition with prudence and collective strength.
"ASEAN should not be seen as a pawn of great power politics, but as a platform for shared leadership."
Zainal Abidin said that as the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly divided, ASEAN’s unity, and its ability to demonstrate moral and diplomatic consistency, will determine the organization’s impact on the next generation.
"The founding vision of 'achieving peace through cooperation' must now evolve to 'achieving sustainable development through shared responsibility.'"
With the world’s eyes on Kuala Lumpur, Zainal Abidin concluded that ASEAN must prove that unity and values-driven leadership remain its most sustainable strengths.