Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia delivered a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra the day after the close of the special Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting.
Anwar discussed various topics in his speech, ranging from Western hypocrisy and the war in Gaza to the importance of ASEAN for regional stability and prosperity. His most noteworthy comments focused on the deteriorating trust between the United States and China over the last 15 years.
Anwar highlighted that American actions to restrain and contain China from the Obama administration to the current Biden administration will only fuel Chinese leaders’ grievances and desire for international recognition that aligns with their growing power and wealth.
He emphasized the need for countries like Australia, Malaysia, and other ASEAN members to encourage the U.S., China, and other key players in the Asia-Pacific to engage in behavior that enhances regional cooperation and economic integration.
Anwar stressed the concept of “cognitive empathy,” urging policymakers to understand different perspectives in international relations and consider the relational dynamics involved. He noted that while China shares responsibility for strained relations with the U.S., it often reacts to decisions made in Washington and other capitals.
Similar sentiments about China’s rise and U.S.-China relations were expressed by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 2019 Shangri-La Dialogue, urging China to reconcile its victim complex with its growing power while calling on the U.S. to integrate China’s aspirations within current norms and rules.
While conflicts like those in the South China Sea underscore Chinese actions causing tensions, Anwar’s relational perspective suggests that understanding each party’s viewpoint is crucial to resolving disputes and preventing conflict.
Many Southeast Asian leaders, benefiting from economic ties with China and security support from the U.S., are wary of escalating tensions leading to a new Cold War that could hinder their nations’ development.
The necessity for China and the U.S. to adjust their policies toward mutual accommodation is emphasized, although the timeline for such adjustments and the costs involved remain uncertain.