Southeast Asian leaders convened in Laos to discuss the civil war in Myanmar and territorial tensions in the South China Sea. The summit includes talks with global powers such as China and the U.S. ASEAN’s credibility is being tested amid these crises, especially regarding Myanmar’s military government and ongoing regional disputes over maritime claims.
Southeast Asian leaders convened in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday for an annual forum aimed at addressing the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. These two pressing challenges have significantly tested the credibility of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit, which commenced in the Laotian capital, is scheduled to include discussions with major global powers such as China, the United States, and Russia, all of which are vying for influence in the Southeast Asian region. The forum is expected to touch on the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, albeit the direct implications for Southeast Asia remain limited. Despite its historical constraints in exerting influence among its members, ASEAN has proven to be a valuable platform for engagement with superpowers. Comprising ten member states—Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos—ASEAN will also engage other dialogue partners including Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia to address various issues spanning economic cooperation, climate change, and energy policies. In his welcoming address, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone introduced the new leaders from Thailand and Singapore, affirming the cooperative spirit of ASEAN: “We help one another and work together the ASEAN way.” He emphasized the importance of unity and partnership among the members and their allies. The forum sees notable leadership changes, with Thailand’s 38-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra being the youngest leader and Singapore’s Lawrence Wong succeeding Lee Hsien Loong after his two-decade tenure. Vietnam’s representation is led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, as President To Lam recently assumed leadership. Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo is notably absent, delegating Vice President Ma’ruf Amin to represent the country. The event also marks the first international appearance for Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will represent President Joe Biden, while Premier Li Qiang will represent China. An essential topic of discussion will include the deteriorating relations between the U.S. and China, particularly regarding China’s aggressive policies in the South China Sea. Dan Kritenbrink, a senior U.S. diplomat for Asia, indicated that the current tensions, particularly China’s coercive actions against smaller claimant states, would be a significant part of Blinken’s agenda. With overlapping claims from Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, along with Taiwan, the South China Sea remains a contentious issue as China asserts authority over almost the entire region. Efforts to negotiate a binding code of conduct between ASEAN and China have stagnated, with disagreements obstructing progress. The situation is complicated by incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels and Vietnam’s recent allegations against Chinese forces regarding assaults on its fishermen in disputed zones. The Philippines has openly criticized other ASEAN nations for a perceived lack of action against China. Experts suggest that significant resolutions may not emerge from the talks, as countries prioritizing their relations with China are likely to avoid conflict. Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman from Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies remarked that national interests overshadow regional cooperation in such matters. Furthermore, Blinken is expected to advocate for sustained pressure on Myanmar’s military leaders amidst concerns regarding the undemocratic elections proposed for next year. The U.S. maintains that comprehensive peace and reconciliation must precede any electoral processes, reinforcing the stance that “Elections should not take place prior to genuine peace and reconciliation,” as articulated by Kritenbrink. ASEAN’s credibility faced significant challenges post the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, which has resulted in ongoing conflict between the military junta and pro-democracy forces. Recent reports indicate that only a fraction of Myanmar’s territory is effectively controlled by the military. In December, Thailand plans to convene an informal regional consultation regarding the crisis in Myanmar, although participation from Myanmar remains uncertain. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balangura expressed Thailand’s commitment to facilitating a cohesive ASEAN response to the conflict. The summit marks a notable return of a senior Myanmar representative since ASEAN’s decision in late 2021 to exclude political figures, yet this move could be perceived as a weakening of ASEAN’s stance on the crisis, according to analysts. The likelihood of substantial breakthroughs during this meeting appears limited.
As a regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has faced challenges in maintaining its efficacy and influence among member states. The civil war in Myanmar, triggered by a military coup in 2021, has drawn criticism for ASEAN’s inability to mediate effectively and address the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where multiple ASEAN members hold conflicting claims with China, raise tensions that hinder regional cooperation and complicate international relations. The presence of major global powers seeking influence in ASEAN territories further complicates the bloc’s unity and collective action.
In summary, the ASEAN summit in Laos highlights critical regional challenges including the civil war in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea, which continue to question the bloc’s credibility. Leaders and major powers will engage in discussions aiming for cooperative strategies while navigating the complexities of their national interests, especially in light of the ongoing geopolitical rivalries. The summit’s outcomes remain uncertain, especially concerning Myanmar’s political landscape and the resolution of South China Sea disputes.
Original Source: kdhnews.com
