By Charlie Stephenson Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi walk past national flags during the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 26. CHALINEE THIRASUPA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Amid constant US–China trade tensions, ASEAN frequently features in the headlines. In April 2025, the 37th US–ASEAN Dialogue reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while a month later ASEAN met with China