Explained: Southeast Asia's muted response to the Ukraine conflict
2 years, 10 months ago

Explained: Southeast Asia's muted response to the Ukraine conflict

The Hindu  

Almost two weeks into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the response from other parts of the world is being called into question. For decades, Southeast Asian governments have taken a strict policy of non-interference in any other country's affairs — the so-called "ASEAN Way." Joel Ng, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, called it "disappointing" that Southeast Asian states aren't defending the principle of non-interference "more vigorously." "While against Russia's use of military force toward civilians and the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, the regional countries should also speak up on the root cause of the war: the extension of NATO to Eastern Europe that provokes Russian insecurity," argued Evi Fitriani, a professor of International Relations at Universitas Indonesia. Crítics call for sharper response Yet there is also recognition that not criticizing Putin's motives in Ukraine — where the war threatens to make a mockery of international law and is also testing Western resolve to defend the sovereignty of smaller states — could have a direct impact on Southeast Asian themselves.

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History of this topic

Thailand hosts regional talks to find solutions to Myanmar's bloody civil war
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Thailand hosts regional talks to find solutions to Myanmar's bloody civil war

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two days of meetings on …

Southeast Asian defense chiefs discuss regional security with US, China and other partner nations
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Southeast Asian defense chiefs discuss regional security with US, China and other partner nations

Associated Press  

VIENTIANE, Laos — Southeast Asian defense chiefs met Thursday with their counterparts from China, the United States and other nations in Laos for security talks, which come as Beijing’s increasingly assertive stance in its claim to most of the South China Sea is leading to more confrontations. The U.S. and China have been working to improve frayed military-to-military communications and …

Southeast Asian defense chiefs discuss regional security with US, China and other partner nations
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Southeast Asian defense chiefs discuss regional security with US, China and other partner nations

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Southeast Asian defense chiefs met …

Southeast Asian leaders meet in Laos in a summit set to tackle crisis in Myanmar and disputed sea
3 months ago

Southeast Asian leaders meet in Laos in a summit set to tackle crisis in Myanmar and disputed sea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Southeast Asia top diplomats condemn Myanmar violence, urge peaceful means to settle sea disputes
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Southeast Asia top diplomats condemn Myanmar violence, urge peaceful means to settle sea disputes

Associated Press  

VIENTIANE, Laos — Southeast Asian top diplomats on Saturday condemned violence in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and urged for “practical” means to defuse rising tensions in the South China Sea during the last of the three-day regional talks with allies including the U.S., Russia and China. In a joint statement issued at the end of the talks, the bloc said …

ASEAN top diplomats discuss South China Sea disputes, Myanmar fighting
5 months, 2 weeks ago

ASEAN top diplomats discuss South China Sea disputes, Myanmar fighting

Al Jazeera  

US Secretary of State Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang are seeking to expand their countries’ influence in the region. The top diplomats from Southeast Asia are grappling with tensions over the South China Sea, the escalating fighting in Myanmar, and regional rivalries as they meet in Laos. Hours before those talks, Blinken hit out at China’s “escalatory and unlawful actions …

China rejects NATO charge of 'decisive enabler' in Ukraine war, tells it not to create 'chaos' in Asia
6 months ago

China rejects NATO charge of 'decisive enabler' in Ukraine war, tells it not to create 'chaos' in Asia

India TV News  

Beijing: China on Thursday rejected NATO's charge of being a "decisive enabler" of Russia's Ukraine war and accused the transatlantic alliance of seeking security at the expense of others. Allies of NATO, who are currently in Washington to celebrate the alliance's 75th anniversary, made their sharpest rebuke of China by expressing concerns over its deepening ties with Russia, calling Beijing …

Visit's reaffirmation of friendly relations is positive marker for regional stability: China Daily editorial
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Visit's reaffirmation of friendly relations is positive marker for regional stability: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Relations between China and Australia are "back on track after a period of twists and turns", visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang declared upon his arrival in Canberra for a formal visit. Praising the two countries as "neighbors across the sea of traditional friendship", a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry described their relations as that of "good friends, true friends …

Visit's reaffirmation of friendly relations is positive marker for regional stability: China Daily editorial
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Visit's reaffirmation of friendly relations is positive marker for regional stability: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Relations between China and Australia are "back on track after a period of twists and turns", visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang declared upon his arrival in Canberra for a formal visit. Praising the two countries as "neighbors across the sea of traditional friendship", a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry described their relations as that of "good friends, true friends …

Tensions simmering in the South China Sea and violence in Myanmar as Laos takes over ASEAN chair
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Tensions simmering in the South China Sea and violence in Myanmar as Laos takes over ASEAN chair

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “So with Indonesia moving on …

The US in Southeast Asia: Less Drinking, More Thinking
1 year, 1 month ago

The US in Southeast Asia: Less Drinking, More Thinking

The Diplomat  

If one were to assess the United States’ change in approach toward Southeast Asia over the past decades, it might be worth examining two movies on the Vietnam War, made more than 30 years apart. Before the United States released its Indo-Pacific strategy in 2022, Washington conducted “extensive consultations” with Southeast Asian countries. To wit, Southeast Asian countries are largely …

Indonesia warns against new conflicts as U.S., China, Russia attend ASEAN summit
1 year, 4 months ago

Indonesia warns against new conflicts as U.S., China, Russia attend ASEAN summit

The Hindu  

Indonesia warned leaders including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov against sharpening rivalries as they wrapped up an East Asia summit in Jakarta on Thursday. Ms. Harris spoke about "Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine", maritime challenges in the South and East China Seas and the growing threat of North Korean missile …

China warns against 'new Cold War' at ASEAN summit
1 year, 4 months ago

China warns against 'new Cold War' at ASEAN summit

The Hindu  

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on September 6 it is important to avoid a "new Cold War" when dealing with conflicts between countries as world leaders gathered in Indonesia amid sharpening geopolitical rivalries across the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at an annual summit involving members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China, Japan and South Korea, Mr. Li said …

China’s premier is on a charm offensive as ASEAN summit protests Beijing’s aggression at sea
1 year, 4 months ago

China’s premier is on a charm offensive as ASEAN summit protests Beijing’s aggression at sea

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — In talks with Southeast Asian leaders Wednesday in the Indonesian capital, Chinese Premier Li Qiang underscored his country’s importance as the world’s second-biggest economy and as the top trading partner of the region. Countering renewed alarm over Beijing’s aggression in the disputed South China Sea, Li cited China’s long history of friendship with Southeast Asia, including joint …

China's premier is on a charm offensive as ASEAN summit protests Beijing's aggression at sea
1 year, 4 months ago

China's premier is on a charm offensive as ASEAN summit protests Beijing's aggression at sea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Countering renewed alarm over Beijing's …

Myanmar won’t be allowed to lead Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2026, in blow to generals
1 year, 4 months ago

Myanmar won’t be allowed to lead Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2026, in blow to generals

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Southeast Asian leaders decided Tuesday that Myanmar won’t take over the rotating leadership of their regional bloc as scheduled in 2026, in the latest blow to efforts by its ruling generals to gain international recognition after violently seizing power in 2021. An official ASEAN statement issued Tuesday night confirmed the decision to hand the chair to the …

Indonesia warns ASEAN on 'destructive' rivalry as Jakarta summit opens
1 year, 4 months ago

Indonesia warns ASEAN on 'destructive' rivalry as Jakarta summit opens

The Hindu  

Indonesia warned on September 5 against Southeast Asia's bloc getting dragged into big-power rivalry as leaders gathered for a summit seeking to dispel worry about rifts over peace efforts in Myanmar and to reaffirm the relevance of their disparate group. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, opening a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, called on the group to …

Indonesian president warns ASEAN 'can't be proxy' of any country
1 year, 5 months ago

Indonesian president warns ASEAN 'can't be proxy' of any country

The Hindu  

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday said ASEAN cannot become a proxy for other countries, as U.S.-China tensions rise over issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Foreign Ministers from the Southeast Asian bloc have gathered in Jakarta for talks about regional issues, from the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety, to the crisis in Myanmar, where …

China and ASEAN agree to try to conclude nonaggression pact on sea feud in 3 years
1 year, 5 months ago

China and ASEAN agree to try to conclude nonaggression pact on sea feud in 3 years

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — China and Southeast Asian nations agreed Thursday to try and conclude within three years a long-delayed nonaggression pact aimed at preventing the frequent territorial spats in the busy South China Sea from turning into a major armed conflict. China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed Thursday during a meeting between the 10-nation bloc’s foreign ministers …

Myanmar violence and sea disputes to dominate ASEAN talks joined by US, Russian and Chinese envoys
1 year, 6 months ago

Myanmar violence and sea disputes to dominate ASEAN talks joined by US, Russian and Chinese envoys

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Myanmar’s prolonged civil strife, tensions in the disputed South China Sea and concern over arms buildups in the region are expected to dominate the agenda when Southeast Asia’s top diplomats gather for talks this week in Indonesia. Since assuming ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship this year, Indonesia has initiated some 110 meetings with groups in Myanmar and provided humanitarian …

Explained | China’s military diplomacy in Southeast Asia
1 year, 7 months ago

Explained | China’s military diplomacy in Southeast Asia

The Hindu  

The story so far: Due to its intensifying geopolitical competition with the U.S. and its own security interests in the region, China is expanding its military outreach to Southeast Asian countries. China has accordingly structured the message around its exercises with Cambodia, Singapore, and Laos as a warning to the Philippines, with a Chinese military commentator Fu Qinghao saying that …

ASEAN ‘strongly condemns’ deadly Myanmar air attack
1 year, 8 months ago

ASEAN ‘strongly condemns’ deadly Myanmar air attack

Al Jazeera  

Regional bloc calls for an end to use of force against civilians as media reports say up to 100 people may have died in Pa Zi Gyi. The statement from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Thursday came a day after the Myanmar military confirmed the air attack on a ceremony held by the National Unity Government, a parallel …

ASEAN vows to conclude pact with China on disputed territory
1 year, 11 months ago

ASEAN vows to conclude pact with China on disputed territory

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Southeast Asian foreign ministers vowed to finalize negotiations with China over a proposed pact aimed at preventing conflicts in the disputed South China Sea in their annual retreat on Saturday in Indonesia’s capital. In the final session of their two-day meeting, the ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also agreed to unite in their approach …

‘Most’ Asia-Pacific nations condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine
2 years, 1 month ago

‘Most’ Asia-Pacific nations condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

APEC noted the ‘immense human suffering’ and economic effect of the war despite Russia and China being bloc members. Asia-Pacific leaders have called for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying “most” of them strongly condemned the war and the global economic turmoil it has caused. A summit statement issued on Saturday at the end of the Asia-Pacific …

Russia’s war in Ukraine challenges old comrades in Southeast Asia
2 years, 1 month ago

Russia’s war in Ukraine challenges old comrades in Southeast Asia

Al Jazeera  

Vladimir Putin’s absence from the G20 Summit in Bali also undermines talk of a Russian pivot to the Asia-Pacific region. Now with the Russian army retreating in parts of Ukraine and international sanctions biting deeply into Russia’s economy, some old friends in Southeast Asia appear to be avoiding direct eye contact as Putin looks east. Hun Sen has not just …

Ukraine FM: Moscow playing ‘hunger games’ with world
2 years, 1 month ago

Ukraine FM: Moscow playing ‘hunger games’ with world

Associated Press  

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pressed Southeast Asian countries for political and material support in his county’s fight against Russia, while accusing Moscow on Saturday of playing “hunger games” with the world by holding up shipments of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products. “Russia should — must — stop playing hunger games with the world.” Kuleba’s …

Ukraine boosts Southeast Asia ties with peace accord
2 years, 2 months ago

Ukraine boosts Southeast Asia ties with peace accord

The Hindu  

Ukraine signed a peace accord on November 10 with Southeast Asian nations, a largely symbolic act that comes as Kyiv seeks to shore up international support in isolating Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba signed the “Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia” as the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations got under way in Phnom …

Myanmar warns ASEAN that pressure would be counterproductive
2 years, 2 months ago

Myanmar warns ASEAN that pressure would be counterproductive

Al Jazeera  

Military-ruled Myanmar says it will not ‘be bound’ by outcome of meetings by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Myanmar’s military government has warned that any pressure from its Southeast Asian neighbours to put a time frame on a peace plan would create “negative implications”. Late on Thursday, Myanmar’s military-appointed foreign ministry released a statement blaming armed resistance movements for …

How is Southeast Asia’s Balancing Strategy on Ukraine Faring?
2 years, 2 months ago

How is Southeast Asia’s Balancing Strategy on Ukraine Faring?

The Diplomat  

Since Russia began its “special military operation” in Ukraine in February, the relationship between Russia and Southeast Asia has garnered significant attention. First, multilaterally, Southeast Asian countries at first joined the West in condemning Russia, but have since gradually softened their stance toward Moscow. Regarding the first resolution, which condemned Russia’s aggression, and the second one, which addressed the humanitarian …

China Seeking Reassurances in Southeast Asia Amid Growing Uncertainties
2 years, 5 months ago

China Seeking Reassurances in Southeast Asia Amid Growing Uncertainties

News 18  

The fast-growing US-China tensions are driving Beijing to exchange reassurances with its Southeast Asian neighbours. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s 10-day visit to Southeast Asia earlier this month, closely followed by the recently concluded visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo to China, are noteworthy developments in that regard. President Jokowi’s China visit, which he smartly clubbed with Japan and South …

Asean and the Ukraine crisis: Centrality & strategic silence are not compatible
2 years, 9 months ago

Asean and the Ukraine crisis: Centrality & strategic silence are not compatible

Hindustan Times  

Even as the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, the impact of the global responses and how States have begun to address the crisis is coming into focus. There are several issues that need to be factored in to understand Asean’s strategic silence on the Ukraine crisis. However, despite this when the UN General Assembly session voted on the Ukraine …

Biden says Asia-Pacific region still a priority amid Ukraine war
2 years, 9 months ago

Biden says Asia-Pacific region still a priority amid Ukraine war

Al Jazeera  

US President Joe Biden has warned that the war in Ukraine threatens the “rules-based international order”, including in the Asia-Pacific region, where Washington is locked in growing competition with Beijing. Speaking at the White House on Tuesday alongside the prime minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, Biden said “all nations” have a right to territorial integrity and sovereignty regardless of …

ASEAN should rethink non-interference policy amid Myanmar crisis, Malaysia FM says
3 years, 2 months ago

ASEAN should rethink non-interference policy amid Myanmar crisis, Malaysia FM says

The Hindu  

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations should rethink its decades-long policy of non-interference in the affairs of member states, amid a worsening human rights crisis in Myanmar, Malaysia's top diplomat said on Thursday. Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said ASEAN should do some "soul-searching" on its non-interference policy, given deteriorating conditions in Myanmar, where more than 1,000 civilians have been …

SE Asian nations are not US pawns
3 years, 4 months ago

SE Asian nations are not US pawns

China Daily  

MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY Editor's Note: US Vice-President Kamala Harris' ongoing visit to Southeast Asia is apparently aimed at boosting the US' relations and security cooperation with the region's countries. Three experts share their views on the issue with China Daily: US Vice-President Kamala Harris' visits to Singapore and Vietnam from Sunday to Thursday, following the visits of Secretary of Defense …

SE Asian nations are not US pawns
3 years, 4 months ago

SE Asian nations are not US pawns

China Daily  

MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY Editor's Note: US Vice-President Kamala Harris' ongoing visit to Southeast Asia is apparently aimed at boosting the US' relations and security cooperation with the region's countries. Three experts share their views on the issue with China Daily: US Vice-President Kamala Harris' visits to Singapore and Vietnam from Sunday to Thursday, following the visits of Secretary of Defense …

China hosts Southeast Asian ministers as it competes with US
3 years, 7 months ago

China hosts Southeast Asian ministers as it competes with US

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China is hosting foreign ministers from 10 Southeast Asian nations this week amid heightened competition between Beijing and Washington for influence in the region. The Philippines has complained repeatedly over the presence of Chinese boats moored at a reef that it claims and Malaysia last week protested over an alleged intrusion by 16 Chinese military aircraft into its …

China warns Asian countries to be vigilant on US strategy in region
4 years, 2 months ago

China warns Asian countries to be vigilant on US strategy in region

Live Mint  

The Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi urged on Tuesday Asian countries to remain "vigilant" over the risk of US strategy stoking geopolitical competition in the South China Sea and other parts of the region. Beijing and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations should work together to remove "external disruption" in the South China Sea, …

Pompeo tells Southeast Asian countries to stand up to China, shun its firms
4 years, 4 months ago

Pompeo tells Southeast Asian countries to stand up to China, shun its firms

Live Mint  

The United States' top diplomat on Thursday urged Southeast Asian countries to stand up to maritime bullying by China and to reassess business deals with its state firms, adding to heated exchanges between two powers jostling for influence. Speaking remotely to foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the region …

Southeast Asia wary of China’s Belt and Road project, sceptical of US: Study
6 years ago

Southeast Asia wary of China’s Belt and Road project, sceptical of US: Study

Live Mint  

Singapore:Southeast Asian countries should be cautious in negotiating with China on its flagship Belt and Road Initiative to avoid being trapped in unsustainable debt, 70 % of respondents said in a policy survey released on Monday. Southeast Asia is increasingly sceptical of US commitment to the region as a strategic partner and a source of security, while China’s reach is …

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