China aims to capitalize on U.S. tariff turmoil with new ASEAN-GCC forum

China has signaled that its inaugural summit with Southeast Asian and Arab Gulf states could pave the way for new economic and strategic cooperation models, giving the Global South a stronger role in global affairs as it aims to capitalize on growing U.S. tariffs concerns. Premier Li Qiang highlighted this initiative as a major innovation amid shifting international dynamics, urging partners to deepen alignment, expand industrial ties, boost people-to-people exchanges, and open regional markets.