ASEAN leaders, along with leaders from the United States, India, Japan, and Russia, gathered in Laos for the East Asia Summit plenary meeting. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also held their first summit in Laos to strengthen security and economic ties. Yoon has been focused on improving relations with Tokyo and enhancing trilateral security cooperation involving the United States.
During the meeting in Vientiane, South Korea and ASEAN announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership, which includes defense industry cooperation and cybersecurity enhancements. Negotiations were also finalized on an upgrade to an ASEAN-China free trade area, covering customs, supply chain connectivity, competition, consumer protection, and non-tariff barriers. The discussions in Laos also addressed the crisis in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup and subsequent civil war.
The conflict in Myanmar has presented challenges for ASEAN, with differing opinions among member states testing the organization’s unity and credibility. ASEAN leaders called for a halt to violence and attacks on civilians in Myanmar and supported efforts to find a peaceful resolution, with increased cooperation with Myanmar’s neighboring states and the United Nations. Western countries have taken a tougher stance on Myanmar, imposing sanctions and accusing the military junta of committing atrocities, which the junta denies.
ASEAN admitted that its formal peace process, the “Five-Point Consensus,” has not been successful in improving the situation in Myanmar. The organization is now working on developing new strategies to address the crisis and its wider impacts, such as narcotics and crime. The meetings in Laos highlighted the need for stronger cooperation and collective action among ASEAN members and with external partners to effectively address regional challenges and promote peace and stability in the region.
ASEAN’s engagement with key partners such as the United States, India, Japan, and Russia demonstrates the organization’s commitment to regional cooperation and security. The establishment of comprehensive strategic partnerships and the upgrading of trade agreements reflect ASEAN’s efforts to enhance economic integration and resilience. By addressing pressing issues such as the crisis in Myanmar and strengthening cooperation on various fronts, ASEAN is striving to consolidate its position as a key player in regional affairs and promote peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
