(MENAFN) In a high-stakes regional summit on Monday, leaders from China, Japan, and South Korea joined counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reaffirm commitments to economic and financial cooperation amid rising global uncertainties.

The ASEAN Plus Three meeting in Malaysia brought together Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who chaired the session as ASEAN’s current leader.

According to South Korean media, President Lee urged the three Northeast Asian powers and ASEAN members to intensify collaboration under the ASEAN+3 framework to better confront emerging "geoeconomic challenges," including the rise of trade protectionism and disruptions in global supply chains.

Lee praised the “very timely” adoption of a joint statement to bolster economic and financial ties, noting that the region faces increasingly “complex and multifaceted” challenges such as aging populations, declining birth rates, digital inequality, climate change, and growing concerns over food and energy security, as well as transnational crime.

Citing Bernama, Motegi reiterated Japan’s determination to strengthen partnerships with ASEAN, China, and South Korea, particularly in safeguarding financial stability and ensuring food security.

During his opening remarks, Prime Minister Anwar stressed that ASEAN Plus Three "must double down on engagement and cooperation," calling for the creation of an APT reserve on medical supplies to prepare for future public health crises.

"Our task is clear: to ensure that growth is fair, prosperity is widely shared, and progress brings peace," Anwar said.

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