Title: Southeast Asian Nations Urged to Consolidate Position on Myanmar as ASEAN Summit Commences
The 43rd summit of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) kicked off on Monday in Jakarta, and discussions about Myanmar’s political crisis and ongoing civil conflict have taken center stage. As the region’s leaders gather to address these pressing issues, calls for a common position on Myanmar have intensified, with former Indonesian Foreign Minister, Marty Natalegawa, emphasizing the urgent need for ASEAN to present a united front.
For the second consecutive year, Myanmar has been excluded from the regional meeting following the military coup in 2021. This exclusion highlights the severity of the crisis and the growing divisions among ASEAN member states regarding how to handle the situation. The rift threatens the unity of the bloc, posing an existential threat to the organization as it navigates multiple challenges, including disputes in the South China Sea.
Malaysia has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Myanmar’s ruling generals, calling for “strong” measures to be taken against them. However, other member states have expressed reservations, exposing the lack of consensus within ASEAN. Natalegawa warns that this lack of unity could undermine the bloc’s credibility and hinder efforts to address not only the Myanmar crisis but also the security needs of member states such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Another cause for concern is Myanmar’s failure to implement the Five-Point Consensus reached with ASEAN in 2021. This consensus aimed to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis and establish a timeline for restoring democratic governance in Myanmar. The military administration’s lack of commitment to the agreement has further deepened divisions within ASEAN, increasing the pressure on member states to find a common approach.
The political turmoil in Myanmar also adds to the strain on ASEAN’s unity due to disputes in the South China Sea. The competing territorial claims in the region have long been a source of contention among ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners, including China. Finding a cohesive response to the challenges posed by both Myanmar and the South China Sea disputes remains a critical priority for ASEAN.
As leaders gather for the ASEAN summit, the spotlight is on Southeast Asian nations to demonstrate their ability to tackle these multifaceted challenges collectively. The urgent task at hand is forging a common position on Myanmar, while also ensuring that the security needs of individual member states are adequately addressed. The success of the summit and the future unity of ASEAN may well depend on the ability of its member states to bridge their differences and work towards a cohesive solution.
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