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

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Vientiane for the ASEAN summit, focusing on the civil war in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea. The summit includes discussions with major powers like the US and China, amid ongoing regional conflicts that test ASEAN’s credibility. Leadership changes in member states, along with the representation of Myanmar, signify complex dynamics at play during this crucial meeting.

Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday for a summit aimed at addressing pressing regional issues, notably the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar and rising tensions in the South China Sea. This annual gathering also includes discussions with major global powers like China, the United States, and Russia, all of which are vying for influence in Southeast Asia. The summit’s timing suggests that discussions may also extend to the intensifying violence in the Middle East, albeit indirectly affecting Southeast Asia. Despite its history of limited influence, ASEAN serves as a crucial platform for dialogue among these superpowers. The ten ASEAN member states—including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos—are expected to engage in discussions with regional partners such as Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia, covering topics from economic cooperation to climate change and energy issues. In his opening remarks, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed new leaders from Thailand and Singapore, emphasizing Laos’s commitment to fostering collaboration to navigate geopolitical and economic challenges during its chairmanship. “We help one another, and work together the ASEAN way,” stated Prime Minister Siphandone. The summit witnesses the participation of younger leaders, such as Thailand’s 38-year-old Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Singapore’s Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong after two decades of leadership. Notably, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo is absent, replaced by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. Furthermore, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken represents President Joe Biden, while Premier Li Qiang denotes China’s presence. A significant agenda item includes the deteriorating U.S.-China relations, especially concerning Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims by ASEAN nations and China exacerbate tensions. Rising confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, alongside accusations of Chinese aggression against Vietnamese fishermen, further complicate the issue. Experts believe that tangible outcomes from the ASEAN summit are uncertain, as many countries prioritize relations with China, the region’s largest trade partner, over collective regional interests. Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman highlighted the tendency towards conflict avoidance, stating, “It is the preference for conflict avoidance while getting geostrategic benefits where possible. In reality, national interests matter more than regional interests.” Meanwhile, the crisis in Myanmar continues to challenge ASEAN’s credibility. Since the military coup in February 2021, violence has led to nearly 6,000 fatalities and displacing over 3 million individuals. Myanmar’s junta has agreed to an ASEAN peace plan; however, it has yet to show commitment to ceasefire efforts. Notably, Myanmar is represented at the summit by its Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Aung Kyaw Moe, a decision that has sparked concerns about ASEAN’s ability to address the crisis effectively. As a follow-up to this summit, Thailand is expected to organize a regional consultation addressing Myanmar’s crisis in December, although the attendees from Myanmar remain unclear. Overall, analysts predict that any significant breakthroughs regarding the Myanmar issue are unlikely, reaffirming concerns regarding ASEAN’s capacity to navigate such complex challenges effectively.

The ASEAN summit is a critical event for Southeast Asian leaders to discuss regional issues. The primary focus this year is the ongoing civil strife in Myanmar and the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The association, composed of ten member nations, struggles with internal cohesion and external pressure, particularly from superpowers eager to engage with the region for strategic interests. This year’s meeting also coincides with leadership transitions in several ASEAN countries, potentially affecting the group’s dynamics and negotiations. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by strained U.S.-China relations, which dominate discussions regarding influence and maritime security. The crisis in Myanmar presents a significant challenge to ASEAN’s credibility, with millions displaced and ongoing violence following a military coup that deposed the democratically elected government.

The ASEAN summit held in Vientiane represents a pivotal moment for Southeast Asian leaders as they confront critical issues, including the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and territorial tensions in the South China Sea. While efforts to foster cooperation and dialogue with global powers are evident, the effectiveness of ASEAN in responding to these challenges remains under scrutiny. With internal leadership changes and external pressures complicating dynamics, the summit’s discussions will be crucial in determining immediate and long-term strategies for regional stability and collaboration.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com