Asean’s ‘illusion of solidarity’ splinters amid Trump’s tariff threats

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While Malaysia calls for a united front, the reality is a race for bilateral deals, with Vietnam leading the charge – as China watches on.

For Southeast Asia, the temporary pause on Washington’s “reciprocal” levies offers some limited breathing room, but the threat of economic upheaval still looms over the region. Observers expect a frantic scramble to secure US trade negotiations in the coming weeks and months..