In a recent AP News article, Southeast Asian leaders, led by Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, pledged to maintain the region’s independence amid rising tensions between the United States and China. Widodo, as Indonesia assumed the ASEAN chairmanship, stressed the region’s non-alignment with major powers’ conflicts.
The AP News article and this blog post cover critical themes like autonomy amid global power struggles, evading a new Cold War, the geopolitical landscape, and diplomatic maneuvers, alongside concerns about human rights, ASEAN’s role, and apprehensions about China’s actions. Widodo emphasized that ASEAN, with a population of close to 700 million, must uphold its dignity and commit to humanity and democracy. This commitment gains significance against the backdrop of human rights concerns in Cambodia and the military takeover in Myanmar.
Widodo stressed the importance of Southeast Asia avoiding a new Cold War theater. With the U.S. and China engaged in a geopolitical tug-of-war, concerns rise about the region being caught in the crossfire. The article highlights China’s assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific, triggering heightened tensions and naval exercises in the Philippine Sea.
In the East Asia Summit, President Biden highlighted the need to respect freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China seas. The summit, attended by leaders from the U.S., China, and others, provided a platform for diplomatic engagements amid escalating tensions. Human rights concerns in Cambodia and Myanmar were also raised.
ASEAN leaders grapple with the challenge of maintaining regional stability amid internal and external issues. The blog post emphasizes ASEAN’s endeavors to develop measurable indicators and a timeline for Myanmar to achieve the five-point consensus, showcasing the organization’s commitment to regional problem-solving.
As Indonesia assumed the ASEAN chairmanship, President Widodo unequivocally declared that the region should not become a battleground for a new Cold War between the U.S. and China. He stressed ASEAN’s need to uphold the values of humanity and democracy, even with challenges from Myanmar’s military takeover and human rights concerns in Cambodia.
Widodo’s remarks underscored escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. While ASEAN leaders met in Phnom Penh, U.S. naval exercises with Quad partners unfolded in the Philippine Sea, and China conducted military flights near Taiwan, heightening efforts to intimidate the self-governing democracy.
The East Asia Summit, concurrent with the ASEAN meeting, witnessed Biden emphasizing freedom of navigation and overflight. He pledged competition with China while maintaining open lines of communication. The upcoming Biden-Xi Jinping meeting at the G20 summit adds anticipation to these geopolitical dynamics.
In discussions with ASEAN leaders, Japan’s Prime Minister expressed concern over China’s attempts to change the status quo by force. He emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, aligning with ASEAN’s call for utmost restraint.
Cambodian leader Hun Sen, at the East Asia Summit, called for global unity without specifying nations. He urged upholding open multilateralism, pragmatism, and mutual respect. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang urged commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity, emphasizing collaborative efforts.
Geopolitical discussions extended to human rights concerns. Biden raised these issues in Cambodia, urging the reopening of political space and the release of activists. Attention also focused on Myanmar, with ASEAN leaders agreeing on a plan that places responsibility on Indonesia to develop indicators and a timeline for the five-point consensus. In navigating these geopolitical currents, Southeast Asia faces the challenge of preserving shared values and avoiding an agency role.
Work Cited:
Rising, David, and Sopheng Cheang. “Southeast Asian Leaders: Region No Proxy for Any Powers.” AP News, AP News, 13 Nov. 2022, http://apnews.com/article/business-china-asia-united-states-europe-e9875e1c5a6502339acf2caafa26f774.