ASEAN gaining ground as 'middle power' in multipolar world: Malaysian minister

KUALA LUMPUR -- As the United States pursues a disruptive foreign policy, non-Western intergovernmental organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are gaining ground as "middle powers" capable of shielding themselves, a Malaysian official said Wednesday.

Recognizing the risks of geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions, ASEAN is actively positioning itself as a stabilizing force and seeking to strengthen partnerships with other intergovernmental organizations such as BRICS, Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia's higher education minister, said at a forum assessing the impact of the current US government's foreign policy.

"We've long discussed a unipolar world, where one nation holds all the power. But now, we are moving into a multipolar world," said Zambry, highlighting ASEAN's opportunity to step up as a "middle power" within the Asia-Pacific region under such circumstances.

Malaysia, currently chairing ASEAN, can play a pivotal role in addressing international disputes in collaboration with the regional bloc, the official said.

Stressing ASEAN's potential as both a mediator and a peacekeeper, Zambry said that the group is able to facilitate dialogue and foster regional stability without the interference of external forces.