East Asia Eyes Bigger Global Role Through Asean 3 As Gdp Share Surpasses 25

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 With a combined GDP of nearly US$30 trillion, Asean+3 nations back deeper cooperation to tackle shared threats and sustain growth momentum.
Foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea with Malaysian foreign minister Mohamad Hasan at the 26th Asean+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. (Bernama pic)KUALA LUMPUR: East Asia is doubling down on efforts to solidify its position as a global growth engine, with Asean Plus Three (Asean+3) nations now accounting for over 25% of global GDP and contributing around 40% of global economic growth
Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, speaking as the representative of Malaysia as Asean chair, said Asean+3 had the strategic weight and responsibility to safeguard stability and deliver inclusive, sustainable growth.
“We should keep in mind that collectively, the Asean+3 represents a combined population of 2.28 billion people, with a total nominal GDP of approximately US$29.33 trillion, or 25.77% of global GDP,” he said in his opening remarks at the 26th Asean+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here.
The foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea also called for stronger financial safety nets, deeper trade integration and collective action to tackle shared regional challenges.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said unity and cooperation were essential as the region faces headwinds from protectionism and unilateralism, including the “indiscriminate” imposition of tariffs by major powers, an apparent reference to the US president.
He said Asean+3 must remain resilient and responsive to disruption, adding that China had renewed a US$4 million contribution to the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office and supported the creation of a rapid financing facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative.
“The external environment is increasingly volatile. Asean+3 cooperation must adapt to these broader trends, overcome disruptions, shoulder responsibility, and work together in solidarity,” he said during the meeting.
South Korea’s first vice-foreign minister Park Yoon Joo said his country had led efforts to strengthen the Chiang Mai Initiative and remained the largest contributor to the Asean+3 Emergency Rice Reserve, accounting for nearly 70% of its stock.
“As one of the most comprehensive and functional mechanisms in the region, Asean+3 can do more to jointly tackle challenges confronting the region,” Park said, reaffirming Korea’s support for Asean Community Vision 2045 and Asean centrality.
Japan’s foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya said the grouping’s growing economic weight gave it added responsibility to lead on public health, ageing populations and disaster resilience.
He reaffirmed Tokyo’s support for Asean’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and praised the convergence between Asean+3 and the Japan–China–South Korea trilateral process.
“I believe there is great significance and potential in working together through the Asean Plus Three framework to address these issues,” he said. - FMT

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