Strengthening multilateralism key to global stability, growth: experts

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Strengthening multilateralism will enable the world to move beyond current geopolitical tensions, paving the way for cooperation and sustained economic growth, experts told a forum organized by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia here.

During the June 17-19 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held in Kuala Lumpur, experts also noted that the real divide in the international community is not between the West and the Global South, but between countries that adhere to common values and norms in global affairs, and those that do not.

They noted that small and medium-sized powers are increasingly relying on multipolar partnerships and alternative frameworks to navigate a more volatile world.

Chief executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep observed that smaller countries are finding new ways to protect their interests by forging partnerships built on shared priorities and mutual trust.

"The world has become more unpredictable, more so for small and middle powers… Small and middle-sized powers have a clear stake in resisting the drift toward a world where 'might is right' and where we are left to contend with chaos rather than pursue cooperation," she added.

Rather than choosing sides, countries like Malaysia are deepening ties across different platforms as a hedge against rising uncertainty. Experts stressed that such flexibility is essential for long-term resilience.

Professor Kuik Cheng-Chwee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia highlighted that regional platforms such as ASEAN and emerging blocs like BRICS provide smaller nations with diversified relationships and reduce dependence on any single power bloc.

"Malaysia has been a strong proponent of the ASEAN mechanism while at the same time participating in groupings such as the BRICS. When geopolitical tensions arise, they create uncertainties and there are more reasons to have additional mechanisms. Hedging is about reducing risks," he explained.

Given today's global interdependence, local disruptions often have far-reaching consequences. Experts underscored the need to build resilience and strengthen regional cooperation through an adaptive and inclusive multilateral system.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stressed the need to strengthen regional resilience and shift away from relying on singular strategic partners.

"We must keep multilateralism alive. But we also have to ensure that the way we do it changes… It is time for us to stop pinning the weight of our hopes on any one partner to carry us through instability, but instead, to nurture international cooperation that enables us to all support each other," he said.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing highlighted that coexisting peacefully is an intrinsically Asian value.

"In face of such adversity, we should be firm in pursuing the Asian vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and strive for common development based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits," he said, adding "We should do everything we can to ensure Asia's continued peace and stability."■