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ASEAN defense ministers urge lawfulness in maritime domains
Southeast Asian defense chiefs have agreed to strengthen their collaborative efforts amid an increasingly unpredictable global outlook and deepening divides, with concerns over the security of its maritime domain taking on an overarching theme.
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Getting ready to pose for a photo (from left) Laos Defense Minister Chansamone Chanyalath, Malaysia's Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan, Philippines's Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen and Thailand's Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang share a light moment during the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting in Jakarta, 15 Nov. 2023. (Reuters/Mast Irham)
Southeast Asian defense chiefs have agreed to strengthen their collaborative efforts amid an increasingly unpredictable global outlook and deepening divides, with concerns over the security of its maritime domain taking on an overarching theme.
The major power rivalry unfolding in the region could jeopardize the fate of the region and beyond, they said in a joint statement on Wednesday, while also urging for adherence to law and an immediate conclusion to key security documents, particularly the Code of Conduct at the South China Sea (COC).
Led by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, defense ministers of ASEAN member states excluding Myanmar gathered in Jakarta on Wednesday for a two-day defense talk with some of ASEAN’s most important partners, under the shadow of a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the conflict in Myanmar.
Several high-ranking officials from the bloc’s partner countries have scheduled to meet with the regional ministers during the ASEAN Defense Ministers Forum (ADMM).
They include United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, Indian Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Japanese Defense Minister Miyazawa Hiroyuki and Korean Deputy Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho. High-ranking officials from China, New Zealand and Australia have similarly been set to join the talks.
Early in the day, Prabowo began by highlighting the domino effect of foreign conflicts, saying that security vulnerabilities would inevitably impact the region’s economic well-being.
“[This year’s ADMM] highlights the link between a peaceful environment and sustainable growth,” Prabowo said in his opening remarks. “Without peace and stability, it’s impossible to attract investment, promote trade and promote the wellbeing of our peoples and societies.”
