ASEAN Faces Growing Challenges to Unity Amid Global Tensions

Strategic Insights -

ASEAN members are at risk of being exploited by rival powers as the region grapples with divisions over Ukraine, Myanmar, and the South China Sea, sources warn. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged ASEAN to maintain independence and unity as the bloc faces challenges from the US and China, both of which seek to influence the region. Despite appearances of unity, internal tensions are real, particularly among nations dependent on China. The stakes are rising as ASEAN's geopolitical flexibility declines, with the US and China less willing to accommodate the bloc's autonomy.

Key Takeaways:

  • ASEAN members are at risk of being exploited by rival powers as the region grapples with divisions over Ukraine, Myanmar, and the South China Sea.
  • Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged ASEAN to maintain independence and unity, warning of the risks of being exploited by external powers.
  • ASEAN's founding principle of non-interference in members' internal affairs hinders efforts to address contentious issues.
  • The rivalry between the US and China has placed ASEAN members in difficult positions, with some nations economically dependent on China and others leaning towards the US on security issues.
  • ASEAN has maintained a policy of "hedging" its relationships with both Washington and Beijing, with Malaysia demonstrating its independence by criticizing the US on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian noted that ASEAN has grappled with divisions for over a decade, but the stakes are rising as the bloc's geopolitical flexibility declines.
  • The US and China are less willing to accommodate ASEAN's autonomy, with the bloc's leaders set to meet with Antony Blinken and Chinese Premier Li Qiang over the next two days.

Statistics:

  • ASEAN has 10 member-states, with Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar heavily dependent on China economically.
  • China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has pumped billions into infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, with Beijing's footprint expanding in the region.
  • Washington's promotion of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" aims to counter China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, where overlapping maritime claims between ASEAN members and Beijing pose a challenge.
  • ASEAN's rotating chairmanship will pass from Laos to Malaysia in 2025, amid growing concerns over the bloc's ability to maintain unity and centrality.

Sources:

  • Radio Free Asia
  • BenarNews (affiliated with Radio Free Asia)
  • Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia
  • International Islamic University Malaysia
  • National University of Singapore
  • ASEAN Secretariat