The 30th “Future of Asia” International Forum was held in Tokyo, Japan from the 29th to the 30th. Many Asian politicians and former politicians expressed their concerns about the US government’s tariff measures at the forum, calling for greater unity to overcome challenges.
Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said on the 29th that the existing trade order is being undermined. He urged Asian countries to unite to deal with the trade problems they face after the United States imposed so-called “reciprocal tariffs.” ASEAN and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) should expand cooperation with other partners and extend it to areas such as trade and industry.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on the 30th that the trade war undermined the free, open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system, especially affecting the most vulnerable groups. He said that countries under tariff pressure should strengthen unity to resist the related impact.
Lao President Thongloun emphasized on the 30th the importance of adhering to the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, and pointed out that global development benefits from fair competition. He said that although the trade volume between Laos and the United States is small, high tariffs will still have an impact on Laos’ economy and investment.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said on the 30th that as an important trading partner of Vietnam, the tariff policy of the United States is having a substantial impact on Vietnam’s exports and investment. Philippine Foreign Minister Manalo said on the same day that the current situation has sounded the “alarm bell” and countries urgently need to innovate cooperation mechanisms and strengthen existing frameworks.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir said on the 30th that US tariff measures will damage its own economy and push up the cost of living in the United States.
The “Future of Asia” International Forum has been held annually since 1995 and is hosted by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. The theme of this forum is “A world full of challenges, Asia facing challenges”. At the two-day forum, the guests discussed how Asia can work together to achieve prosperity and economic growth.