ASEAN’s growing geopolitical and economic clout draws attention from world leaders: Former sec-gen

REGIONAL CONCERNS

Peace and security remain key priorities at the upcoming summit, where a proposed peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia could mark a significant diplomatic milestone for ASEAN.

The agreement follows deadly border clashes between the two countries in July that lasted five days.

Mr Ong said ASEAN’s approach is not to impose peace through force, but to encourage dialogue and mutual compromise.

The summit is also expected to serve as a platform for advancing peace efforts in Myanmar, which have been in turmoil since the February 2021 military coup that triggered armed resistance and a humanitarian crisis.

Myanmar has yet to fully comply with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, the bloc’s agreed roadmap for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis.

“The Five-Point Consensus of ASEAN is not a washout. It is still a valid document,” said Mr Ong, emphasising that the bloc cannot simply abandon the plan but must instead renew efforts to reinforce it.

Given limited progress, he suggested involving Myanmar’s neighbours – including those outside ASEAN – to coordinate a broader diplomatic approach to ensure peace and stability along shared borders.

“Peace must prevail, at least along the boundaries of the countries involved with Myanmar,” said Mr Ong, who is also executive deputy chairman at the Nanyang Technological University’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

At this year’s summit, Timor-Leste is poised to make history as it prepares to formally join ASEAN as its 11th member. The region’s youngest nation gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of occupation.

Mr Ong said ASEAN member states are committed to welcoming Timor-Leste, with a shared focus on helping the small country of 1.4 million people strengthen its economy and human capital.

“In the case of Singapore, we focus on capacity building,” he said. “We hope that the rest of ASEAN will also start to move in and offer whatever each of them can do for Timor-Leste.”