Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered in Vientiane, Laos, for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits on Tuesday. Under the theme \"Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,\" the summits aim to solidify ASEAN's position as a unified and resilient community in the face of regional disruptions.
Despite ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, Chinese experts highlighted that this year's summits will prioritize regional development. ASEAN member states are increasingly vigilant against external powers that may seek to provoke conflicts or introduce divisive ideologies within the region.
Peng Nian, director of the Hong Kong Research Center for Asian Studies, emphasized ASEAN's focus on leveraging technological innovation to advance its digitalization initiatives. The leaders hope to foster cooperation with countries like China and Japan to strengthen these efforts.
Enhanced connectivity remains a key agenda, with improved ties to neighboring nations such as China, Japan, and South Korea expected to stimulate trade and attract investment to the region, Peng noted.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Vientiane on Wednesday to participate in the leaders' meeting. During his visit to Laos, he is set to attend the 27th China-ASEAN Summit, the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, and the 19th East Asia Summit from October 9 to 12. Following his engagements in Laos, Premier Li will proceed to Vietnam.
At a press conference, a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry reaffirmed China's commitment to collaborating with ASEAN and other regional nations to build consensus, deepen mutual trust, and bolster cooperation, thereby injecting new momentum into peace, stability, and development both regionally and globally.
However, Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, cautioned that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might use the summit to spotlight the South China Sea issue. Nonetheless, regional countries are expected to prioritize de-escalation over heightening tensions.
Chen emphasized that the 44th ASEAN Summits are designed to highlight cooperation and development among member states. Should the Philippines attempt to amplify the South China Sea issue, it risks overshadowing other significant agenda topics.
Adding to the geopolitical discussions, Japan's new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, proposed the concept of an \"Asian NATO.\" Observers have raised concerns that such narratives could incite tensions and undermine Southeast Asia's prosperity. ASEAN members seem resistant to these distractions, as evidenced by a recent editorial in Indonesia's largest English-language newspaper, The Jakarta Post, which urged Ishiba to abandon his \"Asian NATO\" proposal to avoid regional embarrassment.
Chen highlighted that while ASEAN nations seek cooperation with various countries, the bloc remains increasingly wary of extraterritorial powers that may incite conflicts and introduce disruptive ideas. These notions undermine ASEAN's centrality and pose challenges to Southeast Asia's geopolitical security.
Additionally, ASEAN countries are closely monitoring rising tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. There are concerns that if the United States instigates conflict in the region, it could lead to instability similar to what has been witnessed in the Middle East.
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ASEAN summits prioritize connectivity and resilience amid disruptions
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