ASEAN Leaders Convene in Laos Summit to Address Myanmar and South…

The ASEAN summit in Vientiane focused on the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and territorial tensions in the South China Sea, which challenge the bloc’s credibility. Discussions will also involve major global powers, including the US, China, and Russia. Leaders expressed a commitment to unity and cooperation, although tangible outcomes remain uncertain due to the complexities of regional and international dynamics.

The ASEAN summit convened in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday, bringing together leaders from Southeast Asia to address pressing concerns related to the enduring civil conflict in Myanmar and the escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea. These two issues pose significant challenges to the credibility and unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Moreover, the summit serves as a precursor to subsequent dialogues with major global powers such as China, the United States, and Russia, all vying for influence in the region. Historically, ASEAN has struggled to assert substantial influence even among its member countries. However, it remains a critical platform for dialogue among global superpowers aiming to engage with Southeast Asia. The ten member states—Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos—are also expected to engage in discussions with regional partners, including Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia, addressing multifaceted topics, including economic collaboration and climate change. In his opening remarks, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed the newly appointed leaders of Thailand and Singapore, emphasizing Laos’s role as a facilitator for cooperation amidst geopolitical challenges. He stated, “We help one another, and work together the ASEAN way. We will discuss and strengthen cooperation between ASEAN members and other dialogue partners, along with upholding the unity and centrality of ASEAN.” The summit witnesses the attendance of several new leadership figures, including Thailand’s youngest leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assumed office in August. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo opted out of the forum, delegating the Vice President to represent the nation. The United States is notably represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and China is led by Premier Li Qiang. The dynamics of ASEAN are also shaped by the fraught relations between the United States and China, particularly concerning China’s assertive stance in the South China Sea. Dan Kritenbrink, a top US diplomat for Asia, indicated that numerous China-related matters would be pivotal during the meetings, highlighting issues of escalation in tensions among claimants in the disputed waters. ASEAN members, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, continue to contest China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. As tensions mount, clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have escalated, prompting criticism from the Philippines regarding the perceived inaction of other ASEAN members toward China’s aggressive posture. In addition to the South China Sea discussions, the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar also looms large. Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has seen approximately 6,000 fatalities and more than three million individuals displaced. Despite an agreement to follow an ASEAN peace plan, Myanmar’s junta has failed to implement these measures effectively. Thailand’s forthcoming informal consultation on the crisis in December aims to foster dialogue, although the participation of Myanmar representatives remains uncertain. Overall, while the summit represents an opportunity for ASEAN to demonstrate unity and address regional issues of significance, experts caution that tangible outcomes may be minimal. As expressed by Lina Alexandra, a senior researcher at Indonesia’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, the inclusion of a senior Myanmar official, given the junta’s ongoing conflicts, may signal ASEAN’s fatigue in handling the crisis without substantial progress in sight.

The meeting of ASEAN leaders in Laos represents a critical juncture for the organization as it seeks to address longstanding issues affecting member states. The civil conflict in Myanmar has resulted in widespread violence and humanitarian crises, fundamentally challenging ASEAN’s role and effectiveness as a regional cooperative entity. Simultaneously, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly Chinese claims against several ASEAN members, have prompted concerns over sovereignty and regional stability. Both issues illustrate the complexity of intra-regional relations and the external pressures exerted by superpowers vying for influence in Southeast Asia.

In conclusion, the ASEAN summit in Vientiane serves as a crucial forum for addressing significant challenges facing the region, notably the conflicts in Myanmar and the tensions in the South China Sea. Despite being a platform for dialogue among member states and global powers, the effectiveness of ASEAN in producing substantial resolutions remains uncertain, given the geopolitical complexities and national interests at play. The upcoming informal consultation on the Myanmar crisis heralds a further attempt to foster dialogue; however, significant breakthroughs appear unlikely in the immediate future.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com