The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers are meeting in Indonesia on Tuesday. The Myanmar crisis and tensions in the South China Sea are prominent topics on the agenda.
Doubts are growing over the credibility and unity of the ASEAN bloc in dealing with the region’s toughest challenges.
ASEAN has been unable to agree on a unified response to the military coup in Myanmar. The coup, which took place in February 2021, has led to a political and economic crisis in the country. International pressure is mounting on ASEAN to take a tougher stance against the military junta.
Efforts to negotiate a code of conduct with China regarding the South China Sea have been deadlocked for years. China continues to build up its military presence in the disputed waterway.
The ASEAN foreign ministers will discuss both the Myanmar crisis and the South China Sea tensions at their meeting in Jakarta. It remains uncertain whether they will be able to reach any agreement on these issues.
This meeting is considered a significant opportunity for ASEAN to demonstrate its relevance and effectiveness as a regional forum. The success of the meeting hinges on the ability of the foreign ministers to reach agreement on the region’s most challenging issues.
Myanmar crisis
The military coup in Myanmar has plunged the country into a political and economic crisis. More than 1,500 people have been killed by security forces, and more than 10,000 have been arrested. The coup has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of food, water, and shelter.
ASEAN has been unable to agree on a unified response to the crisis. Some members, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, have called for the military to step down and for the restoration of democracy. Others, such as Cambodia and Laos, have been more reluctant to criticize the military.
South China Sea tensions
The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway, housing rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves. However, it is a disputed area involving several countries: China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
China has been increasingly assertive in its claims to the South China Sea, leading to a buildup of its military presence in the region. This has caused tensions with neighboring countries, resulting in naval and air encounters.
.The meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Jakarta is expected to address the tensions in the South China Sea. However, it remains unclear if any progress will be made regarding the issue.
