Regional Diplomacy
ASEAN leaders convened for the 2024 summit, navigating tensions between the US and China while addressing regional challenges including the South China Sea disputes, Myanmar's civil war, and economic cooperation.
Summit Overview
2024 meeting:
Event Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Members | 10 ASEAN nations |
| Dialogue partners | US, China, Japan, etc. |
| Key themes | Security, trade, centrality |
| Challenges | Multiple crises |
South China Sea
Maritime disputes:
Tensions
| Issue | Status |
|---|---|
| China claims | Disputed |
| Philippines | Confrontations |
| Vietnam | Concerns |
| COC | Negotiations stalled |
Myanmar Crisis
Civil war impact:
ASEAN Response
| Approach | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Five-Point Consensus | Failed implementation |
| Engagement | With junta |
| Criticism | For approach |
| Alternative | None agreed |
US-China Competition
Great power dynamics:
Regional Position
| Factor | ASEAN Approach |
|---|---|
| Non-alignment | Preferred |
| Both engagement | Maintained |
| Pressure | From both sides |
| Centrality | Asserted |
Economic Cooperation
Trade and investment:
Key Areas
| Initiative | Status |
|---|---|
| RCEP | Implementation |
| Digital economy | Cooperation |
| Supply chains | Diversification |
| Investment | Attraction |
ASEAN Centrality
Bloc's position:
Challenges
| Issue | Threat |
|---|---|
| Great power competition | Marginalization risk |
| Unity | Internal differences |
| Relevance | Questioned |
| Leadership | Rotating challenges |
Individual Member Issues
Country-specific concerns:
Key States
| Country | Focus |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | New government |
| Thailand | Political transition |
| Malaysia | ASEAN chair 2025 |
| Philippines | China tensions |
| Vietnam | Balance management |
Human Rights
Contentious area:
Discussions
| Issue | Status |
|---|---|
| Myanmar | Ongoing atrocities |
| Journalists | Imprisoned |
| Consensus | Difficult to achieve |
| Action | Limited |
Climate and Disaster
Shared challenges:
Cooperation Areas
| Area | Initiative |
|---|---|
| Climate | Regional action |
| Disasters | Coordination |
| Haze | Persistent issue |
| Sea level | Adaptation |
Dialogue Partners
External relationships:
Key Partners
| Partner | Engagement |
|---|---|
| United States | Strengthened |
| China | Economic ties |
| Japan | Development partner |
| Australia | Security cooperation |
| India | Act East |
Looking Ahead
ASEAN trajectory:
Future Challenges
- China pressure management
- Myanmar resolution
- Economic integration
- Climate action
- Relevance maintenance
ASEAN continues to navigate complex geopolitics while maintaining its central role in regional architecture.
