BEIJING: Malaysia is keenly aware of its responsibilities as it prepares to assume the role of Asean chair next year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is as the complexities of the global landscape currently require Asean to take on new roles and responsibilities.
He also said this was due to Asean's evolution into a region of 671 million people, with a combined gross domestic product of US$3.8 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economy in the world.
"Hence, our chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' in 2025 reflects a vision of Asean where all members, regardless of size or economic capacity, benefit from growth and development," he said during a public lecture in Peking University today.
The lecture, themed "Bridging Futures: Strengthening Malaysia-China Relations and Asian Centrality in a Shifting Global Order", was also attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
At the same time, Anwar added that Asean-China relations also reflect a shared commitment to innovation and emerging technologies.
He also said China has made significant strides in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and green energy areas which Asean views as essential for addressing global challenges and promoting long-term resilience.
Anwar reiterated Malaysia's commitment to initiating a trilateral forum involving Asean, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which will introduce a unique dimension to Asean-China relations.
He added that the platform also aims at expanding Asean partnerships and recognising the Gulf region's growing significance in global trade and geopolitics.
"By linking Asean, China and the GCC, we can build a bridge between East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East to enable deeper economic, cultural and strategic ties among our regions.
"This would contribute to creating a shared vision for cooperation on global challenges such as energy security, sustainable development and economic diversification."