LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations convened on Sunday for their initial meeting of the year, hosted by Malaysia in its new role as chair of the regional bloc, seeking progress on the prolonged crisis in Myanmar and ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The gathering took place on the picturesque island of Langkawi and marks a significant assembly for the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Officials hope to outline the bloc’s agenda for the year ahead, focusing on addressing Myanmar’s ongoing civil strife, which has lasted four years, and managing tensions stemming from China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized that ASEAN needs to enhance its unity and prioritize economic integration in light of global uncertainties and the intensifying rivalry between the U.S. and China in the region. He also mentioned that the potential second term of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump could influence the regional dynamics significantly.
“There is a lot to prepare for. What we must primarily anticipate is the possible challenges to ASEAN’s centrality,” he stated during the meeting’s opening remarks. “We must assert ourselves as speakers and not merely listeners; it is essential that we determine our path forward.”
The ongoing crisis in Myanmar became a pivotal issue for the organization after a military coup removed an elected government in February 2021, resulting in widespread conflict. This upheaval has ignited armed resistance, empowering numerous rebel groups to take control of large areas within the country. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of casualties and forced millions to flee.
ASEAN’s attempts at peace initiatives have yielded little success, as Myanmar’s military leadership has largely resisted compliance. Although ASEAN has barred Myanmar’s military leaders from its official gatherings, the group’s principle of non-interference has limited its effectiveness. The military regime has announced plans to hold elections this year, but critics are skeptical about the likelihood of fair and free polls.
Malaysia, which facilitated Myanmar’s admission to ASEAN during its chairmanship in 1997, is expected to adopt a more engaged approach regarding the crisis. The turmoil in Myanmar has contributed to a rise in criminal activities, including human trafficking and online fraud along its borders.
Last month, Hasan announced that Malaysia had designated Othman Hashim, a former senior official in the foreign ministry, as a special envoy to Myanmar with the aim of engaging with various factions within the country to carve a path forward.
Additionally, issues regarding the South China Sea, a crucial global shipping route, were highlighted during the meeting. Tensions have escalated following violent encounters in these waters last year. ASEAN member states including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei share overlapping territorial claims with China, which maintains sweeping claims over nearly all of the South China Sea.
Incidents between Chinese and Philippine vessels occurred frequently last year, and there were reports of Chinese forces attacking Vietnamese fishermen, while Chinese patrol boats infringed upon areas claimed as exclusive economic zones by Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Philippines has advocated for negotiations between ASEAN and China to establish a code of conduct for the South China Sea; however, discussions have stalled over key disagreements, such as whether the agreement should be binding and its extent. Although ASEAN has refrained from openly criticizing China—its largest trading partner—the issue remains contentious.
As Malaysia takes on the role of chair, it is anticipated that the nation will favor a path of quiet diplomacy to balance its security concerns with economic interests, as analysts note.
“It represents a pragmatic approach from Malaysia, given that both the nation and ASEAN lack the military and diplomatic strength to confront China directly over South China Sea matters,” explained Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, a research fellow at Singapore’s S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
