Southeast Asian leaders have gathered in Vientiane, Laos, for the ASEAN summit to address the ongoing Myanmar crisis and tensions in the South China Sea. The summit includes discussions with global powers, notably the U.S. and China, amidst broader geopolitical challenges. While cooperation among member states is emphasized, doubts remain about ASEAN’s ability to yield significant results, particularly concerning Myanmar and China’s maritime assertiveness.
On October 9, 2024, leaders from Southeast Asia convened in Vientiane, Laos, for an annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The agenda prominently featured pressing issues such as the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar and escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea—both of which pose significant challenges to the bloc’s reputation and efficacy. The summit will also extend discussions to major global powers, including China, the United States, and Russia, all vying for influence in Southeast Asia. The summit’s timing raises the possibility of addressing the rising violence in the Middle East, although Southeast Asia has primarily experienced only secondary effects of that crisis. Historically, ASEAN’s influence has been modest, yet it often serves as a venue for dialogue among major world powers hoping to engage with the region. ASEAN includes ten member nations: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos. In addition to inter-member discussions, the leaders will meet with dialogue partners such as Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia to deliberate on economic issues, climate change, and energy policies. In his opening remarks, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed the new leaders of Thailand and Singapore, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to navigate geopolitical and economic challenges. “We help one another, and we work together the ASEAN way,” he stated, underscoring the commitment to cooperation and unity among ASEAN members. Among the attendees, Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at 38 years old, is noted as the youngest leader in ASEAN, while Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in May. Additionally, Vietnam’s representation is handled by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh due to the recent appointment of President To Lam. Notably, Indonesian President Joko Widodo will not attend, delegating Vice President Ma’ruf Amin instead, as Widodo’s successor prepares for the transition. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is participating on behalf of President Joe Biden, while China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang. Given the strained relations between the U.S. and China—particularly concerning China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea—Blinken’s presence highlights the critical nature of these discussions. Dan Kritenbrink from the State Department remarked that multiple China-related issues, especially regarding the South China Sea, are anticipated to arise during the summit. ASEAN members, notably Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, have overlapping claims alongside China, which asserts control over nearly the entire South China Sea. Despite extended negotiations for a behavioral code among ASEAN members and China, progress remains elusive. Recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels illustrate the increasing tensions, prompting concerns from the Philippines towards fellow ASEAN nations regarding a perceived lack of cooperative action against China. Simultaneously, ASEAN’s credibility faces scrutiny over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, where violence following the military coup in February 2021 has led to approximately 6,000 fatalities and over three million displaced individuals. Despite the junta’s agreement to ASEAN’s peace initiatives, including a ceasefire, the progress towards peace remains stagnant. In December, Thailand will host additional discussions on the Myanmar situation, with participation from ASEAN members potentially forthcoming, though inclusivity concerning Myanmar remains uncertain. Critics note the presence of a senior Myanmar diplomat at the present summit could suggest ASEAN’s waning resolve in addressing the Myanmar crisis effectively. As stated by Lina Alexandra, a senior researcher at Indonesia’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies, significant breakthroughs regarding Myanmar seem unlikely.
The ASEAN summit serves as a crucial platform for addressing regional challenges, particularly the civil unrest in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. These issues not only test ASEAN’s solidarity but also its ability to maintain relevance in international discussions involving superpowers contesting influence in Southeast Asia. The ongoing geopolitical tensions highlight the delicate balance ASEAN must strike between member states’ national interests and the collective regional stance.
The ASEAN summit in Laos marks an essential opportunity for Southeast Asian leaders to deliberate on vital regional issues, particularly the crises in Myanmar and the South China Sea. With key global powers involved, the summit underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations in a contested geopolitical landscape. However, despite the potential for dialogue, the effectiveness of ASEAN in achieving tangible outcomes remains uncertain, especially regarding Myanmar’s ongoing crisis and the assertive posture of China in the South China Sea.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
