ASEAN Leaders Gather in Laos to Address Myanmar Conflict and South…

Southeast Asian leaders convened in Vientiane, Laos, to address critical issues such as the civil war in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea. The summit includes discussions with global powers like the U.S. and China, focusing on regional stability and cooperation. However, the credibility of ASEAN is challenged by Myanmar’s ongoing crisis and conflicting claims in the South China Sea, with little expectation for significant breakthroughs during the discussions.

Leaders of Southeast Asia convened in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday for a significant summit aiming to address pressing issues such as the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. These topics are critical to the region, posing challenges to the credibility of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit also includes discussions with global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, highlighting the international competition for influence in Southeast Asia. The meetings in Laos follow a sequence of dialogues with key players like Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia, who will engage in conversations regarding economic cooperation, climate change, and energy security. The opening address by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed newly-elected leaders, emphasizing collaboration among ASEAN members and maintaining the bloc’s unity. Among the attendees, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest leader at 38, and Singapore’s new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, present a shift in leadership dynamics within ASEAN. Notably, Indonesian President Joko Widodo is absent, sending Vice President Ma’ruf Amin in his place due to the impending transition to a new administration. Japan’s freshly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also marks his participation as his first overseas visit. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is attending the summit in lieu of President Joe Biden, while China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang. The complicated U.S.-China relations, particularly concerning aggressive Chinese tactics in the South China Sea, are anticipated to dominate discussions. As various ASEAN members, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, hold conflicting claims with China over the sea, the slow progression of negotiations for a binding code of conduct remains a significant concern. Adding to regional complexity, recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, along with allegations of Chinese aggression against Vietnamese fishermen, exemplify the mounting tensions. Regional analysts suggest that countries may prioritize relations with China for economic benefits while avoiding open conflict, complicating any potential unified ASEAN stance on this issue. With respect to Myanmar, Secretary Blinken is expected to stress the importance of ASEAN amplifying its pressure on the military government, given the stagnant progress on the group’s peace initiative. The U.S. remains wary of the military’s planned elections, predicting that they would produce further instability rather than reconciliation. Moreover, Myanmar’s attendance at the summit, represented by a high-level diplomat after a three-year hiatus, raises concerns regarding ASEAN’s effectiveness in resolving the ongoing crisis. In light of the escalating situation, Thailand is scheduled to host informal regional talks on Myanmar in December, although clarity surrounding Myanmar’s participation remains elusive. Experts note that allowing Myanmar’s representation at the summit mirrors ASEAN’s waning resolve in addressing the crisis, and expectations for a breakthrough are minimal. In summary, the ASEAN summit serves as a pivotal moment for Southeast Asian leaders to confront critical regional issues, yet the absence of significant developments remains a notable theme as the bloc seeks to enhance its credibility on the international stage.

The 2023 ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos, focuses on two major issues facing the region: the civil war in Myanmar, following the military coup that ousted the elected government in 2021, and escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where several ASEAN member states have conflicting claims with China. This meeting comes amid increasing international attention on Southeast Asia’s strategic importance, particularly as global powers seek influence in the region. Additionally, the effectiveness of ASEAN in uniting its member states and responding to crises has been called into question, particularly regarding its stance on Myanmar and its ability to handle external pressures.

The ASEAN summit in Laos underscores the ongoing challenges within the region, particularly regarding Myanmar’s instability and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. As leaders strive to maintain unity and address geopolitical tensions, the effectiveness of ASEAN’s initiatives remains in question. The discussions during this summit will be pivotal in shaping the bloc’s direction and its relationships with major world powers moving forward.

Original Source: www.thespec.com