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ASEAN bickering on Indo-Pacific ‘uninspiring’
Concerns have been growing that the absence of a unified ASEAN voice on the Indo-Pacific would allow for more great-power rivalry in Southeast Asia, particularly between the United States and China, who continue to tussle for influence in the region.
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Flags of many colors: A security officer stands guard during the preparations for the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Reuters/Soe Zeya Tun)
I
n the run up to a planned adoption of ASEAN’s common Indo-Pacific outlook this weekend, experts have said that an apparent crack in the bloc’s unity over the concept has raised doubts about the relevance of the concept’s substance.
ASEAN leaders are set to convene in Bangkok this week for the 34th ASEAN Summit, which will focus on issues relevant to the region, including finding a common approach on the Indo-Pacific.
Last week, however, a diplomat familiar with the issue revealed that the expected conclusion of the ASEAN concept paper might be delayed because Singapore has yet to endorse it, throwing the adoption plan into disarray.
Asked for comment on its reluctance to endorse the concept, Singapore’s Mission to ASEAN merely said it supported “any regional initiative that preserves ASEAN centrality and unity, advances economic engagement of our region and promotes a rules-based international order anchored upon international law”.
ASEAN operates on consensus-building, a point that critics are quick to point out as a flaw.
Read also: Singapore 'holds back' adoption of ASEAN Indo-Pacific concept
Concerns have been growing that the absence of a unified ASEAN voice on the Indo-Pacific would allow for more great-power rivalry in Southeast Asia, particularly between the United States and China, who continue to tussle for influence in the region.
