Southeast Asian leaders gathered at the ASEAN summit in Laos to address the civil war in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea. Discussions will also involve global powers vying for influence in the region. The summit underscores ASEAN’s struggle for credibility amidst these challenges, with the participation of new leaders and ongoing geopolitical complexities.
Southeast Asian leaders convened in Vientiane, Laos, for the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, focusing on addressing the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar and the escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea. These issues pose significant challenges to the credibility of the ASEAN bloc and demand urgent attention from member states. The summit will feature discussions not only among the ten ASEAN member nations—Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos—but also with influential global powers such as China, the United States, and Russia, all vying for dominance in the region. In addition to the primary agenda items, it is anticipated that the ASEAN leaders will touch upon rising violence in the Middle East, despite Southeast Asia experiencing only indirect repercussions from the conflict. Throughout its history, ASEAN has demonstrated limited influence, even among its members, yet the summit frequently functions as a platform for dialogue among major powers seeking to engage with Southeast Asia. The summit opened with remarks from Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who expressed hopes for collaboration among member states amidst geopolitical and economic challenges. New leaders present included Thailand’s 38-year-old Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded long-time leader Lee Hsien Loong earlier this year. The absence of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as he prepares for a transition of power, underscores the shifting dynamics within the region. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will represent President Joe Biden at the meetings, while Premier Li Qiang of China will take part on behalf of his nation. Amidst tensions in US-China relations, particularly concerning China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, the topic will be pivotal during the summit discussions. ASEAN members such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, alongside Taiwan, have competing claims within this maritime area, leading to escalated tensions. The negotiation process for a non-binding code of conduct among ASEAN and China to regulate behavior in the South China Sea has been sluggish. The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar is also at the forefront of concerns, with thousands having lost their lives since the military coup ousted the elected government in February 2021. Despite an ASEAN peace plan that was agreed upon, the Myanmar junta has failed to adhere to its stipulations, continuing its conflict with pro-democracy forces and ethnic groups across the nation. Looking ahead, Thailand is set to host an informal regional conversation regarding the Myanmar situation in December, though participation from Myanmar remains uncertain. The presence of Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry permanent secretary at the summit is noted as a significant gesture; however, it may also indicate ASEAN’s waning influence in managing ongoing crises. Experts express skepticism about the likelihood of achieving substantial progress on this front.
The ASEAN forum serves as a crucial platform for Southeast Asian countries to address pressing issues such as regional stability, territorial disputes, and humanitarian crises. The prolonged civil war in Myanmar and territorial tensions in the South China Sea represent significant challenges that are not only of regional concern but also draw international attention from superpowers. The dynamics between member nations, the involvement of major global powers, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions contribute to the complexity of discussions held during the summit. Historically, ASEAN’s effectiveness has been questioned, particularly in addressing crises that require coordinated actions among its members.
In conclusion, the ASEAN summit in Laos emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration among Southeast Asian nations to address pressing issues like the Myanmar crisis and the South China Sea disputes. The engagement of global powers in these discussions further highlights the geopolitical complexities at play. While there are initiatives in place to foster dialogue and resolve conflicts, skepticism remains regarding ASEAN’s ability to yield significant outcomes amidst competing national interests and the challenges posed by internal and external pressures.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
