China, ASEAN vow co-op amid global challenges

Partnership a crucial pillar for regional, world devt, stability: expert

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi joins hands with ASEAN foreign ministers for a group photo during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with China at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 10, 2025. Photo: VCG

China and ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed their wish for further cooperation and joint efforts to maintain regional peace and stability on Thursday during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Analysts believe that China-ASEAN cooperation has now become a crucial pillar for regional as well as global development and stability, especially amid the US' sweeping and coercive series of tariffs. 

China has always been the most reliable stabilizing force in a turbulent world and the most dependable partner for ASEAN members to address challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday at the meeting in the Malaysian capital. 

Noting that China and ASEAN share similar development concepts, common demands and integrated interests, Wang said that China regards ASEAN as a priority direction for neighborhood diplomacy and a pioneer area for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, briefed the achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation and put forward four proposals.

Wang said that China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to practice open regionalism and true multilateralism and make greater contributions to regional and global governance.

In terms of win-win cooperation, Wang said that China is willing to work with ASEAN to build China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to a high quality, and create a high-level free trade network.

While stating that China is willing to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, Wang stressed that the South China Sea is the common home of regional countries, rather than a "gladiatorial arena" for major powers. 

China is willing to expand cooperation with ASEAN members in areas such as marine environmental protection, navigation safety, maritime law enforcement and key marine infrastructure, fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and advance consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, Wang said. 

China is willing to continue to advocate dialogue, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations with ASEAN countries, Wang said.

The participating countries said that China has always been one of the most important dialogue partners of ASEAN, and they are willing to accelerate the alignment of development strategies with China, and cooperate under the Belt and Road Initiative at a high quality, according to the release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

They also said that they are willing to work with China to safeguard multilateralism and the multilateral trading system and jointly address global challenges, further strengthen unity and cooperation with China, jointly advance the modernization process in Asia, and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.

"The China-ASEAN relationship is now a vital pillar for regional as well as global development and stability," Luo Yongkun, a researcher at the Institute of International Studies of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

Against the backdrop of tense major power relations and the impact of the US tariff war on regional development, the numerous consensuses reached between China and ASEAN on cooperative development and maintaining regional peace and stability align with the aspirations of all parties, marking a significant outcome of this foreign ministers' meeting, Luo noted. 

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, participants said they appreciate China's willingness to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, and look forward to the early conclusion of the COC in the South China Sea by all parties. 

Ge Hongliang, Vice Dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, told the Global Times that China and ASEAN have a shared vision for implementing denuclearization and the peaceful use of nuclear resources in Southeast Asia.

According to the expert, China's willingness to take the lead in signing [Protocol to the Treaty on SEAWFZ] demonstrates Beijing's support for ASEAN-led regional governance frameworks, which is of great significance to maintaining regional security order, particularly nuclear safety.

In addition, the positive stance of ASEAN countries on the South China Sea issue is conductive to establishing a platform for dialogue and communication between China and Southeast Asian nations on South China Sea matters, enhancing mutual trust, Ge added. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met counterparts in Southeast Asia on Thursday during his first visit to the region since taking office, according to Reuters. 

It comes as the US government rolls out higher tariffs against Southeast Asian nations. Washington has announced plans for tariffs on Malaysia and five other ASEAN countries, with Malaysia facing a 25 percent tariff, Laos and Myanmar 40 percent, Cambodia and Thailand 36 per cent, and Indonesia 32 percent, starting from August 1, the Straits Times reported. 

Addressing the opening of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hailed the enhanced China-ASEAN economic cooperation, saying that the signing of the ACFTA 3.0, which is scheduled for later this year, comes at an opportune moment, according to Malaysian national news agency Bernama.

China and ASEAN remain dedicated to deepening ties and advancing regional cooperation, actively promoting the development of industrial chains that enhance regional stability, and bolstering the resilience of regional trade and investment, so as to counter the trade coercion and unilateralism from Washington, said the expert. 

In 2024, China and ASEAN had already been each other's largest trading partner for the fifth consecutive year, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Official data shows that the zero-tariff coverage rate between China and ASEAN has remained at above 65 percent. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods reached $982.34 billion, a year-on-year growth of 7.8 percent.

"Southeast Asian countries have many grievances against the US, perceiving its tariffs as a means of geopolitical coercion," Luo said, "While China's consistent and robust economic growth provides regional countries with confidence and stability."- Global Times

Govt urged to intervene as new US tariff brings jitters for businesses

 

Trying times: The tariff would significantly impact manufactures like those in Bayan Lepas, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

JOHOR BARU: The 25% tariff imposed by the United States on Malaysia has sent jitters through the manufacturing sector, with many warning of cancelled orders and a potential wave of business closures.

The furniture industry, for one, fears losing business to Vietnam, which faces a 20% tariff, while some other industries are even thinking of relocating.

Malaysian Furniture Council president Desmond Tan said Vietnam, Malaysia’s closest competitor in the global furniture market, produced a similar range of products and targets the same export destinations – especially the United States.

The tariff for Vietnam was reduced to 20% from the original 46%.

“Since the announcement was only made yesterday (Tuesday), it is still too early to gauge the full extent of its impact on order volumes but the council will continue to monitor developments closely,” he said.

Tan said the industry was also being squeezed by rising costs on the domestic front.

“These include the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), which now imposes a 5% tax on raw materials and directly drives up production costs. We also face higher labour expenses with the new minimum wage,” he added.

The new Employees Provident Fund contributions for foreign workers would add further strain while fuel and electricity prices had also gone up, he said.

The council is now urging Putrajaya to commence urgent talks with the United States to negotiate a reduction of the tariff.

He also appealed for a rethink on the new taxes and price hikes to lower production costs, and for export incentives to protect jobs.

The United States accounts for 60% of the country’s total furniture exports, totalling RM2.039bil in just the first four months of the year.

Malaysia also exports furniture to Singapore, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, among others.

Muar Furniture Association president Steve Ong said the new tariff was a major blow, as Muar supplied more than RM4bil worth of furniture to the United States in 2024.

It made up 67% of Malaysia’s total furniture exports there, he said.

“The 25% tariff will likely lead to clients cancelling orders and local manufacturers scrambling to stay afloat. This is an urgent crisis,” Ong said.

Another industry player urged the government to act swiftly.

“If nothing is done, a globally competitive industry like ours could shrink or even collapse,” said Goh Song Huang.

“At a time like this, we need clear, steady policies and a government that understands and responds to the real pressures we face.”

In Penang, local industries are bracing for reduced demand with some considering relocation.

“Companies in Malaysia may be forced to shift parts of their production to countries with lower tariffs,” said Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, adding that higher prices driven by import tariffs tend to suppress global demand.

“When the cost of imported goods rises, demand naturally falls. In the end, everyone along the supply chain, especially buyers of raw materials, will be affected,” he said.

Earlier, it was reported that semiconductor exports would be exempt from the tariffs but it is unclear whether exemptions will remain under the new tariff regime.

“Vietnam’s tariff is at 20%, which gives them a pricing advantage. US buyers may look for cheaper alternatives, putting Malaysian exporters at a disadvantage,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Seri Lee Teong Li said the 25% tariff would significantly impact exporters to the US.

“It’s a substantial amount. For local manufacturers shipping to the US, it will reduce profit margins. Costs will rise, and customers may start sourcing from other suppliers.

“Even when the 24% tariff was announced in April, it was already a heavy blow. We had hoped for a reduction, not an increase,” he said.

He noted that for now, the strategy was to ship out as much as possible before the Aug 1 deadline.

Meanwhile, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) is urging the government to temporarily lower the expanded SST to 4% to ease the financial burden on businesses and preserve Malaysia’s competitive edge.

Its president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said the government should reduce the expanded SST rate from the current 6%-8% for the first two years of implementation.

He said businesses, already grappling with higher operational costs driven by multiple government-imposed measures, would now have to face the the tariff headwinds and global uncertainties as well.

Source link https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/10/govt-urged-to-intervene-as-new-us-tariff-brings-jitters-for-businesses

Sleep tips for people requiring care

 
If the dependent person you are caring for is not sleeping well, try out these ideas to help them.

MANY people dependent on permanent care have trouble sleeping, be it due to pain, sleep apnoea (frequent interruption of breathing during sleep), a repeated urge to urinate or something else.

As a result, they’re often dead tired the next day.

Among other things, this can increase their risk of falling, warns the Berlin-based Centre for Quality in Care (ZQP), a German non-profit foundation dedicated to improving longterm care of older care recipients.

If a care recipient suffers from chronic sleep deprivation, a doctor should be consulted.

Eliminating or alleviating the cause can help them to fall asleep more easily and sleep through the night.

There are also things that caregiving relatives can do.

Here are three:

1. Establish bedtime routines

A bedtime routine signals to the body that the day is over and it’s time to wind down and rest.

There are many different possibilities.

For some people it helps to read a few pages of a book.

Others prefer listening to relaxing music.

Since having cold feet is hardly conducive to sleeping well, taking a warm footbath before going to bed could be beneficial.

Or you could put on a pair of thick, warm socks before going to bed.

Part of the routine could be drinking a cup of calming tea, such as lemon balm, lavender, passionflower or hop, suggests the ZQP.

Better it be a smallish cup though, as drinking a large mug can result in an inconvenient need to urinate in the middle of the night.

2. Create a pleasant sleep environment

A noisy nearby street or bright TV standby light can interfere with sleep.

So care recipients and their caregivers should consider ways to improve the sleep environment.

Even minor adjustments can make a big difference, e.g. wearing earplugs to block out noise or a sleep mask to block out light.

It’s also important to ventilate the room in the evening to remove stale air.

A pleasant sleep environment also includes things that caregiving relatives might not think of right away.

If the care recipient suffers from urinary incontinence, for instance, a super-absorbent bed protector pad can provide more comfort.

3. Promote a normal day-night rhythm

The circadian rhythm, or “internal clock”, of dementia patients can become disrupted, causing them to feel sleepy during the day and restless at night.

This increases the risk of sleep problems, of course.

What’s more, it’s not uncommon that they want to eat at night.

The ZQP advises that caregivers meet these special needs as much as possible, but emphasises the importance of promoting a normal sleep-wake cycle by increasing morning light exposure and decreasing evening light exposure.

Light morning exercises in bed can help patients become alert, and their pyjamas shouldn’t be laid out until evening.

Complete darkness can unsettle dementia patients, however, the ZQP points out, so the room they sleep in shouldn’t be fully darkened.

A nightlight can help, as well as provide orientation in the dark. – dpa

Why the cooperative spirit of ‘greater BRICS’ resonates worldwide

The 17th BRICS Summit is being held from July 6 to 7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This marks the first high-profile gathering of the "greater BRICS family" in its new "11+10" format - comprising 11 member countries and 10 partner countries - following Indonesia's official entry into the BRICS cooperation mechanism in January and Vietnam's official joining as a BRICS partner country in June. The summit is themed "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." As the host country, Brazil has outlined three key priorities for the meeting: deepening cooperation in public health, promoting a unified stance on climate change, and establishing mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment among member states.

On the eve of the summit, Colombia and Uzbekistan formally joined the New Development Bank as full members. Today, the BRICS family represents over half of the world's population, accounts for one-fifth of global trade, and contributes nearly 30 percent of global GDP. This remarkable momentum is no accident - it reflects the growing appeal of the "BRICS spirit" of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in 2024, BRICS collectively reached 4 percent GDP growth, significantly outpacing the global average. This demonstrates that the "greater BRICS" has become a "southern engine" that continuously fuels global development.

According to some foreign media outlets, this year's summit will discuss important topics, including the establishment of a new guarantee fund and the "Tropical Forests Forever Facility," and will voice collective positions on IMF reform. As the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, characterized by rising unilateralism and protectionism, and some major powers increasingly disengaging from international governance, BRICS remains steadfast in its original aspiration, focusing squarely on cooperation and development. All its agendas and agreements are being gradually implemented, turning words on paper into real development outcomes. As of 2024, the BRICS New Development Bank has approved 120 projects worth a total of $39 billion, covering key sectors such as transport infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, and social development. As the "vanguard of the Global South," the "greater BRICS" governance proposals are receiving global attention, and the world is looking to the "greater BRICS" for wisdom and contributions.

The growing influence of the "Greater BRICS" is evident in Western reporting. From the very start, the Rio BRICS Summit has become a focal point of global attention. Reuters noted that the expansion of the "Greater BRICS" "has added diplomatic weight to the gathering" and the bloc is presented "as a defender of multilateralism in an increasingly fractured world." The New York Times focused on the new role of "BRICS" in global governance, emphasizing its ambition to "rebalance global power dynamics." Although some media outlets maintain a "critical" and "skeptical" attitude toward the BRICS Summit, the inherent "traffic appeal" of the Rio Summit is enough to reflect the international community's attention to and recognition of BRICS.

The BRICS countries differ in terms of historical culture, political systems, economic size, and development levels, and there are differences between overall interests and individual interests. However, this precisely reflects the valuable inclusiveness and complementarity of the BRICS mechanism. BRICS cooperation is a systematic collaboration of the Global South; it is both comprehensive cooperation and open-door cooperation. It embodies the voices of the Global South, providing more development opportunities and equal rights for countries in the Global South, and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. This not only aligns with the interests of the Global South but also contributes to the common good of the world.

From promoting the establishment of the New Development Bank to advocating for the "BRICS+" cooperation model; from articulating the "four major partnerships" among BRICS countries to building new industrial revolution partnerships within BRICS, China's contributions to the BRICS mechanism are evident. According to the "Hand in Hand: China-LAC Mutual Perception Survey," released by the Global Times Institute during the "Global Times' Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue" series of events held in Latin America in late June, a majority of respondents from six Latin American countries believe that the BRICS can represent the Global South to voice its concerns on the international stage. Furthermore, 93 percent of Latin American respondents believe that China has brought opportunities for development to the region, and 84 percent recognize China's development prospects. Through its own actions, China has built a bridge of hope for common development, making the gears of "greater BRICS" cooperation operate more smoothly.

IIn the face of the ever-changing international landscape, BRICS countries have demonstrated strong cohesion and action, providing a "BRICS answer" to the changes unseen in a century, which enhances the credibility of BRICS. The Rio Summit will mark a new starting point. Looking ahead, BRICS countries will continue to uphold the "BRICS spirit," deepen cooperation in various fields, promote reforms in the global governance system, and make greater contributions to world peace and development.- Global Times

Related:

BRICS: not against anything, but for development, fairness and Global South

BRICS is not “against” anything; it is “for”: for the development, for a fairer world order, and a larger role for the Global South. It concentrates on specific development problems, which makes BRICS very attractive to other developing

Malay Mail

https://www.malaymail.com › malaysia › 2024/10/26

26 Oct 2024 — Malaysia made it as a partner country into the Brics alliance on Thursday, along with neighbours Thailand and Indonesia.

CNA

Chttps://www.globaltimes.cn/index.htmlhina says BRICS not seeking 'confrontation' after Trump tariff threat

Trump Warns of 10% Tariff for ‘Anti-American’ BRICS Policies

Reuters

Trump threatens extra 10% tariffs on BRICS as leaders meet in Brazil

Online scams becoming ‘silent killers’, police say

 

ACP Abdul Rozak (centre) launching the poster. With him are Teoh (right) and Hoe. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

THE growing menace of online scams have become impossible to ignore, with police describing them as “silent killers”, where the crimes not only drain victims financially but also leave lasting emotional scars and shatter livelihoods.

Investigation officer Inspector Muhammad Hyzreen Mohd Zain said such scams could wipe out victims’ savings and “subsequently destroy their lives.”

“Scams don’t just take your money, they destroy futures. They’re silent killers,” he said during his speech at Scam Awareness Talk + Say No to Scam campaign held at a mall in Farlim, Air Itam, Penang.

He said such crimes could also tarnish the reputation of enforcement agencies and erode public trust when victims mistakenly believe authorities failed to act.

He urged the public to practise digital vigilance to prevent falling prey to such schemes.

Insp Muhammad Hyzreen urges the public to practise digital vigilance.

Insp Muhammad Hyzreen stressed that many victims unknowingly allow scammers access to their financial information simply by downloading suspicious apps or clicking unverified links.

He advised the public to avoid sharing personal or banking information over the phone, even if the caller claimed to be from a government agency or financial institution.

He said scammers would often impersonate officials to gain trust and extract confidential data.

Insp Muhammad Hyzreen also reminded attendees to be wary of investment offers that promise unusually high returns.

“Always verify with Bank Negara or official sources before committing to any investment platform,” he said.

He encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity immediately to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, or contact the nearest police station for guidance.

The talk, organised as part of the campaign, aimed to educate the public on emerging fraud tactics and reinforce the importance of community vigilance in combating financial crime.

Organised by 30 Lions Clubs from Penang with collaboration from police, the event also saw the launch of the Call 997 poster.

Event organising chairman Teoh Shaw Jhee said the club had printed 2,000 copies of A2 posters which will be put up around Penang.

“The posters will be placed in public areas such as markets, schools, malls and high-rise buildings,” Teoh said in his speech.

Teoh said cyber and financial scam cases were now a threat to the public, and as such, it was important to raise awareness.

He said Lions Clubs could help police raise awareness of scams.

He said the posters was also to inform and educate the public on who to call if they faced the threat of scams in their daily life.

“Awareness is our first line of defence, calling 997 is the right way when you risk being scammed,” he added.

Present during the programme were George Town OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rozak Muhammad, his deputy Supt Lee Swee Sake and District Governor Lions 308 B2 Don Hoe.

ACP Abdul Rozak, who launched the poster, praised Lions Clubs for organising the event and described the initiative as a noble effort.

“While we remain fully committed to combating corruption, success requires the collective support and cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said in his speech.

He advised the public not to be easily misled or duped by attractive offers from unknown individuals online.

Source link