Ensuring neutrality
According to observers, Malaysia must ensure ASEAN's neutrality and balance in relations with major powers. Dr. Azmi Hassan, senior fellow at the Nusantara Institute of Strategic Studies, said that the ASEAN Chairmanship will be a test of Malaysia's diplomatic skills and ability to promote ASEAN's cooperation with China, Russia, the US and the West.
“ASEAN being neutral means the bloc’s ability to promote dialogue with other countries. ASEAN does not want to be left out in building relationships with global superpowers in all aspects,” said Dr. Azmi Hassan.
In a speech at the ASEAN Summit in Laos on October 9, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the bloc's commitment to centrality and called on member states to unite amid geopolitical tensions around the world.
“As global tensions continue to rise and polarization seems to prevail over integration, the ‘fissures’ and divisions within ASEAN risk being exploited to the detriment of ASEAN centrality and cohesion. We, ASEAN member states, have a duty to reject proposals that tend to divide,” Mr. Anwar said.
The Malaysian Prime Minister said ASEAN must send a clear message to the world that the bloc will remain united and continue to be the main driving force of peace, security and cooperation in the region.
Protect core interests
Mr. Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations in the US, commented that as ASEAN Chair, Malaysia must protect the bloc's core interests in the Asia-Pacific region and ensure the bloc's central role in the long term.
To do this, foreign policy expert Joanne Lin, senior fellow and co-coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said Malaysia could prioritize the full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – the world’s largest trade agreement, comprising 15 countries with a combined GDP of nearly US$30 trillion. RCEP has the potential to position ASEAN as a hub for regional growth and cooperation.
Ms. Joanne Lin also expects Malaysia to push ahead with negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which will be launched in September 2023 to boost digital cooperation and add another US$2 trillion to the region's digital economy by 2030.
While Anwar will likely use the ASEAN platform to “amplify” Malaysia’s foreign policy priorities, such as supporting South-South cooperation and strengthening ties with emerging powers, his approach will likely be guided by his “diplomatic acumen” and commitment to ASEAN centrality, according to Joanne Lin.
On the South China Sea issue, as the current country coordinator for ASEAN-China relations and a claimant state in the South China Sea, Malaysia has a significant interest in advancing negotiations on the Code of Conduct that ASEAN aims to complete by 2026.
Malaysia is likely to prioritise these talks, Lin said, stressing ASEAN's shared interest in ensuring a rules-based approach to maritime disputes.
MINH CHAU synthesis
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/asean-tiep-tuc-la-dong-luc-chinh-cua-hop-tac-khu-vuc-post763393.html
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