Southeast Asian leaders called out unilateral trade actions in a joint statement late Tuesday, without specifically mentioning the US — the region’s largest export customer.“We note the continued rise in unilateral actions relating to tariffs and other trade and investment restrictions and the growing risk of global fragmentation,

Southeast Asia is a nexus of global diplomacy this week, with tariffs and the US-China battle for influence dominating the agenda. On a tour of the region, China’s premier urged ASEAN nations and several Gulf countries to create a “ vibrant economic circle ” with China, as they agreed to strengthen trade ties in Kuala Lumpur.

Political leaders and former heads of state from across Asia have expressed concerns over the US government's tariff policies, calling for greater unity among Asian nations to overcome shared challenges.