Letters | Asean must ditch neutrality and stand up for rule of law

Readers discuss Asean’s challenge to remain relevant, a Hong Kong company’s celebration of the panda cubs, and how John Lee compares with past leaders

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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (from left), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone applaud after a group photo during the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders Meeting on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Vientiane, Laos, on October 11. Photo: AP

Published: 11:30am, 6 Nov 2024

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has a long and rich history, but its self-induced mantra of non-alignment and consensus-based decision-making has undermined its effectiveness and is pushing it towards irrelevance. The recently concluded Asean summit and related meetings in Vientiane, Laos speak to this problem.

Core issues remain unresolved, particularly the need for upholding international and maritime law. These laws serve as the foundation for peace and stability. They should not be interpreted according to historical perspectives or individual viewpoints.

To increase bargaining chips of member states, new powers such as Russia and India are now seen by some as the necessary force in the region, in terms of defence and trade.

Within Asean, there are divisions on how to respond to China’s actions, among other issues. Such division has created gaps in Asean’s collective approach and ability to counter Beijing’s bellicosity in the South China Sea. Manila has expressed frustration while other claimants within Asean prefer the subdued and diplomatic approach in avoiding high intensity clashes.

Addressing South China Sea disputes must go beyond the code of conduct talks or Asean’ strategic hedging. Changes in global power dynamics will alter the balance of economic and military capabilities. It is not guaranteed that Beijing’s current economic and military power equation will sustain, especially given its slowing domestic economic growth and decreasing demographic resilience.