europe.chinadaily.com.cn
ASEAN Strengthens Ties with BRICS Amid Rising Protectionism
ASEAN is strengthening its cooperation with BRICS in response to rising US trade barriers and global protectionism, leveraging its $3.8 trillion GDP and diplomatic influence to reshape international cooperation and create a more just world order, as stated by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan at a BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro on April 29.
- What are the key drivers behind ASEAN's increased cooperation with BRICS?
- ASEAN, chaired by Malaysia, is strengthening its ties with BRICS, driven by rising US trade barriers and global protectionism. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized the need for the Global South to lead in reshaping international cooperation, highlighting ASEAN's economic strengths and diplomatic openness as key assets. This collaboration aims to create a more inclusive and just world order.
- How does Malaysia's role as ASEAN chair contribute to this strengthened partnership?
- The shift towards South-South cooperation between ASEAN and BRICS is a direct response to perceived instability and unfairness in the existing global economic system. Minister Hasan's statement reflects a growing sentiment among developing nations to create alternative mechanisms for international cooperation, leveraging their collective economic power and diplomatic influence. ASEAN's $3.8 trillion GDP and strong export record are cited as significant leverage in this initiative.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this ASEAN-BRICS alliance on the global economic order?
- This ASEAN-BRICS partnership could significantly alter the global economic landscape by challenging the existing power structures and promoting a more equitable distribution of resources and influence. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability of ASEAN and BRICS nations to effectively coordinate their policies and leverage their collective strengths to create tangible economic and political benefits for their member states. The long-term impact on global trade and governance remains to be seen but holds considerable potential.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative strongly frames the ASEAN-BRICS cooperation as a positive and necessary response to US trade barriers and global protectionism. The headline (not provided but inferred from context) and the opening paragraphs emphasize the potential benefits of this partnership and downplay potential drawbacks or risks. Minister Hasan's statements are presented largely uncritically, bolstering this positive framing. This selective emphasis shapes reader perception by highlighting the advantages while minimizing potential challenges.
Language Bias
The language used tends to favor positive descriptions of ASEAN and BRICS. Terms such as "inclusive development," "pragmatic multilateralism," and "economic resilience" convey a positive tone. While not inherently biased, the consistent use of positive language, without counterbalancing negative aspects or challenges, subtly influences the reader's interpretation. The phrase "flurry of tariffs" might be considered slightly loaded, but the overall impact of language is more subtle than overtly biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspective of Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and the ASEAN-BRICS cooperation, neglecting other viewpoints on the subject. Counterarguments or perspectives from countries outside of BRICS or ASEAN, particularly those critical of the alliance's objectives, are absent. The potential impact of this cooperation on various stakeholders globally is also largely unexplored. While acknowledging the constraints of space, the omission of alternative viewpoints limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the global economic order, framing it as a dichotomy between the current system (implied as flawed and dominated by hegemony) and a new path forward led by the Global South. The nuance of global economic relationships, including the complexities within the BRICS and ASEAN alliances themselves, is downplayed. The presentation of this false dichotomy may lead readers to oversimplify a complex geopolitical issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the potential of South-South cooperation (ASEAN and BRICS) to reshape international cooperation and create a more just world order. This collaboration aims to address global economic imbalances and promote inclusive development, which directly contributes to reducing inequality between nations and within them. The focus on developing countries taking the lead in reshaping global cooperation empowers them to define their own development paths and priorities, potentially leading to more equitable outcomes.