Can East Asia Lead the Way Forward?
Can East Asia rise not just to counterbalance Western trade wars, but to reshape the future of economic diplomacy? As the world reels from the US President’s tariff offensives, the region faces a defining moment: remain reactive, or become a proactive force for inclusive global cooperation.
Tariffs, Power, and Global Showdowns
The Trump administration’s April 2nd tariff declaration, cloaked in patriotic rhetoric, sent shockwaves globally. Dismissed by some as irrational or extreme, the move was anything but accidental. It wasn’t just about trade; it was a declaration of economic warfare. Trump’s rhetoric pointed toward a vision of global dominance, not fair competition.
This wasn’t the first volley. When Canada detained Huawei’s CFO at the request of the US, the world got a glimpse of how economic tools were being weaponised. Even under President Obama, who championed the US “pivot to Asia,” the United States undermined global dispute resolution by blocking WTO arbitration panel appointments.
Trump doubled down on a transactional worldview: no multilateralism, no collective bargaining, no enduring partnerships—only zero-sum, bilateral deals where one side wins and the other loses. Cooperative solutions were sidelined in favour of “shock and awe” diplomacy.
ASEAN’s Fragmented Beginnings and Lingering Tensions
ASEAN, formed in 1967, was born in division. Not all regional players were on board. Malaysia had been in conflict with all founding members. Indonesia and the Philippines resisted Malaysia’s British-backed federation, and by 1965, Singapore had seceded.
Despite the shaky start, ASEAN played a crucial role in healing regional wounds. By 1975, even before the end of the Vietnam War and its regional conflicts, ASEAN had matured into a platform for peace. In 1973, the group embraced the vision of ZOPFAN: a Southeast Asia zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality. Yet progress has been inconsistent.
Consider the Philippines: once committed to a US military exit, it now hosts 11 American bases, including new ones pointed squarely at Taiwan. Meanwhile, concessions made by Asian leaders to sidestep personal legal tangles with US authorities undermine the region’s credibility.
Bandung’s Legacy: Still Relevant, Still Ignored
The spirit of the 1955 Bandung Conference, where Asian and African nations gave birth to the Non-Aligned Movement, still lingers. It called for unity without servitude to superpowers.
Europe’s hypocrisy only adds to the disillusionment. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, Europe now sponsors proxy wars in Ukraine, having abandoned neutrality for militaristic resolve.
The Global North’s interventions now outnumber Cold War-era skirmishes. Their commitment to freedom and peace remains more slogan than substance.
A Multipolar World in Denial
Post-1980s, many claimed the world had entered a unipolar age. Today, the Global South prefers a different path—a multipolar balance, away from aligning too closely with any dominant power.
Unfortunately, major Western players have sidelined the UN’s peacekeeping potential. Despite rhetorical support, real commitment to the UN Charter is in short supply, especially among NATO members.
Can ASEAN Truly Lead?
ASEAN cannot singlehandedly spearhead global peace. But it can still become a voice for principled neutrality, development, and regional unity. Its role is not to dominate but to inspire and stabilise.
The Economic Stakes for East Asia
East Asia is staring at economic stagnation—a result not of its own making, but of long-standing Western economic mismanagement. In this context, ASEAN+3 (Japan, China, South Korea) emerges as a powerful triad with potential for serious change, especially through RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership).
The 1997–98 Asian financial crisis had earlier triggered the Chiang Mai Initiative, pushing ASEAN toward multilateral swap arrangements. Yet decades later, progress in broader trade integration—like the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)—remains slow and fragmented.
Tellingly, in March, Japan, China, and South Korea met to address tariff threats—excluding ASEAN entirely.
Business As Usual is Over
ASEAN’s vision is constrained. Many regional leaders can’t see beyond free trade agreements. But the status quo is no longer tenable. Trump’s agenda is not just a political detour—it’s a flashing red warning sign that old economic frameworks are breaking down.
Ironically, even as Trump rails against global institutions, the US continues to exploit multilateral rules when convenient. It justifies unilateral tariffs by branding them “reciprocal.”
The Clock is Ticking
Despite his disdain for global cooperation, Trump is unlikely to abandon the systems that serve his objectives. But the opportunity lies with East Asia. Will it settle for reaction, or rise as a region that redefines power not through dominance, but through dignity?
The choice isn’t just regional. It’s civilisational.
