ASEAN to avoid trade deals that undermine region

Southeast Asian leaders agreed not to strike US tariff deals that could harm fellow ASEAN economies, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said, as the bloc seeks unity amid rising protectionism. Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN leaders backed a five-year plan to deepen economic integration and shield the region—home to over USD3.8tr in GDP—from fallout linked to President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs. Six ASEAN nations could face US levies of up to 49% in July. The summit also urged a nationwide ceasefire in conflict-hit Myanmar, following limited truces after a deadly earthquake in March. China’s Premier Li Qiang called for expanded trade liberalisation in a separate session with ASEAN and Gulf leaders.