KUALA LUMPUR: Asean’s position is to ensure that its relations with its neighbours, particularly with China, Japan and South Korea remain strong and formidable to protect its open economies, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Our fundamentals will remain strong if we can secure peace in this region, and peace will be being friendly to all our neighbors. As I’ve said, China is a very important player,” he said during his closing remarks at the 12th Asean Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting here on Thursday (April 10).

Anwar said that the situation that China was facing would also impact the Asean’s economy.

The United States raised tariffs against China to 125% after Beijing retaliated by saying it would impose tariffs of 84% on US imports.

Anwar said Asean’s position would be one of centrality.

More to come