China Trade Deal Shows We Re Not Intimidated By Us Says Anwar

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The prime minister says it 'would have been impossible' to sign the deal just a day after president Donald Trump’s departure if Asean is intimidated by the US.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking at a press conference following the closing ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has hit back at criticism that Asean and Malaysia are intimidated by the US, saying the bloc signed an upgraded trade agreement with China just a day after US president Donald Trump met the region’s leaders
Speaking at a press conference following the closing ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit here, Anwar said Malaysia was capable of maintaining strong ties with both superpowers.
“After Trump left (on Monday), we signed the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0 Upgrade (today) showing balance and courage in our foreign policy.
“If we were afraid of the United States, it would have been impossible to sign such a major deal with China just one day after Trump’s departure,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
Anwar said this reflected the collective diplomatic wisdom of Asean member states, adding that Malaysia’s approach is guided by principle and national interest.
Earlier today, Asean and China signed the ACTFA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, aimed at strengthening regional economic cooperation and modernising the bloc’s trade framework with its largest trading partner.
The agreement includes new provisions on competition and consumer protection, digital and green economies, supply chain connectivity, as well as micro, small and medium enterprise participation.
During Trump’s visit, Malaysia and the US signed a wide-ranging reciprocal trade deal aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties, expanding market access, and bolstering supply chain resilience.
In a joint statement released by the White House, both governments said the deal would provide both countries’ exporters unprecedented access to each other’s market and build upon a long-standing economic relationship.
Addressing criticism over his decision to host the US president, Anwar said Malaysia’s foreign policy would not be dictated by emotion or hatred.
Trump’s visit to Malaysia had sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets in opposition to his presence.
“Some were angry and said he (Trump) is cursed by God and that anyone who supports him is cursed too. This is how our country can become a laughing stock.
“If we have the opportunity to meet major world leaders, we should use it to speak out and defend the truth,” he said. - FMT

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