US tariffs, Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN discussions
Amid the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict, escalating tensions in the South China Sea and a surge in global protectionism, ASEAN faces growing pressure to present a united front and safeguard regional autonomy in the face of intensifying rivalry between major powers.
'Myanmar remains the most pressing issue. Despite the Five-Point Consensus and efforts to present a united front, the crisis continues to challenge ASEAN cohesion,' said Dr Rowena Abdul Razak, a historical consultant and an Associate with IMAN Research.
She said Thailand's political situation may also affect the regional dynamic, particularly in its relations with Myanmar. The recent suspension of its Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, could alter Bangkok's engagement with Naypyidaw.
Developments along the Thailand-Cambodia border have also drawn attention, following a reported incident near the Chong Bok area in late May, she noted.
Rowena said external challenges are also expected to feature prominently, particularly ASEAN's dealings with the US and China. While the bloc has so far maintained a degree of neutrality, evolving US policies continue to raise concerns.
'American policies, especially regarding tariffs and the Middle East, have been chaotic and unpredictable. ASEAN may need to explore a framework to guard the region against instability caused by such shifts.
'Even though Malaysia played down the threat's economic impact, the situation caused regional concern. The AMM may want to discuss measures that protect key trade routes and airspace from future disruptions,' added Rowena, who specialises in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The US's tightening immigration stance and ongoing trade friction are also expected to be addressed during ASEAN's Dialogue Partner meetings held alongside the AMM.
ASEAN member states will be closely watching how the US approaches its engagement with the region amid signs of increasing unilateralism.
The bloc is also expected to compare perspectives with Dialogue Partners on broader global concerns, particularly climate change.
'Climate change may emerge as a key issue, especially for the European Union (EU), which is likely struggling to find common ground with a less engaged US,' she added.
On the nuclear front, ASEAN is also likely to draw attention for its consistent stance as a nuclear-weapon-free zone -- a position that some analysts say could serve as a model in wider non-proliferation diplomacy.
Rowena said the region's experience in managing regional nuclear arrangements offers a constructive example at a time when global nuclear stability is under strain.
'ASEAN provides a credible model of how regional and intergovernmental nuclear negotiations can be managed. Major powers, including the US, should be open to learning from this approach,' she said.
The 58th AMM and related meetings, a key annual event in the ASEAN calendar, will be hosted by Malaysia under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
The highly anticipated gathering will see one of the largest assemblies of foreign ministers and high-ranking diplomats from around the world to discuss pressing global and regional issues, foster cooperation and advance the agenda of security and sustainability in ASEAN.
Over 40 foreign ministers and representatives from international organisations are scheduled to attend a series of ASEAN-led meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11.
All foreign ministers of ASEAN member states will be present, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by a senior official from its foreign ministry. The Foreign Minister from Timor-Leste will be participating as an observer.
This is the fifth time Malaysia has held the ASEAN chairmanship throughout its history as a member of the regional bloc, having previously chaired it in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Ninja Van Malaysia launches 44 new international delivery lanes, extends cross-border reach
KUALA LUMPUR: Ninja Van Malaysia has launched 44 new international delivery lanes, extending its cross-border reach to 46 destinations worldwide in a move aimed at helping Malaysian businesses scale into global markets at significantly lower costs. The new routes span Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe, adding to existing services to Singapore and the Philippines. With delivery times ranging from seven to 12 days and shipping rates starting at RM70, the service is more than 50% cheaper than conventional cross-border options, making it one of the most affordable logistics solutions available to local brands. 'This launch makes the world no longer out of reach for Malaysian brands,' CEO Lin Zheng said during the event. 'With 46 international lanes, we are offering a practical and cost-effective way for local businesses to enter new markets, build a global customer base and grow with confidence. Our goal is to remove the friction from cross-border logistics so that businesses can focus on what they do best, creating, innovating and scaling.' For Lin, the launch marks the beginning of a bigger vision: 'Today is just one step but an important one, towards making Malaysia not just a logistics hub, but a launchpad for regional and international success.' Ninja Van cross-border regional vice president Jeremy Hong said: 'Our goal is simple, to eliminate the friction from cross-border logistics so businesses can scale without limits.' While Malaysia has seen strong entrepreneurial momentum in recent years, high shipping costs, complex customs processes and limited infrastructure remain key challenges for SMEs seeking to export. Ninja Van's expanded network aims to close this gap by offering SMEs a cost-effective, integrated solution to ship globally. The company's advanced logistics platform allows sellers to manage both domestic and international deliveries through a single dashboard, without needing new accounts or system integrations. Orders can be processed within minutes, using the same workflow as local deliveries. Domestically, the company operates a 260,000 square foot hub in Shah Alam, supported by more than 160 hubs, 5,000 pick-up and drop-off points and a fleet of 7,000 vehicles. Regionally, Ninja Van delivers over two million parcels daily and has enabled more than 270,000 merchants to ship across borders. Founded in 2015, Ninja Van Malaysia is part of a wider Southeast Asian network backed by marquee investors including GeoPost, Alibaba Group and B Capital Group. Beyond e-commerce, Ninja Van is laying the groundwork to venture into new logistics verticals, including business-to-business inventory restocking and cold chain solutions, reflecting its ambition to move beyond being just a parcel delivery company. Industry observers note that competitive shipping options are especially critical for SMEs, which often lack the economies of scale of larger corporates. By reducing costs and streamlining processes, Ninja Van's new international lanes may provide the boost smaller brands need to compete in overseas markets.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
UN debates future withdrawal of Lebanon peacekeeping force
The UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel. (EPA Images pic) UNITED NATIONS : The United Nations Security Council began to debate Monday a resolution drafted by France to extend the UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon for a year with the ultimate aim to withdraw it. Israel and the US have reportedly opposed the renewal of the force's mandate, and it was unclear if the draft text has backing from Washington, which wields a veto on the Council. The US state department did not respond to a request for comment on the future of the force, the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel. The text, first reported by Reuters, would 'extend the mandate of UNIFIL until August 31, 2026' but 'indicates its intention to work on a withdrawal of UNIFIL.' That would be on the condition that Lebanon's government was the 'sole provider of security in southern Lebanon… and that the parties agree on a comprehensive political arrangement.' Under a truce that ended a recent war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, Beirut's army has been deploying in south Lebanon and dismantling the militant group's infrastructure there. Lebanon has been grappling with the thorny issue of disarming Hezbollah, with the cabinet this month tasking the army with developing a plan to do so by the end of the year. The Iran-backed group has pushed back. Under the truce, Israel was meant to completely withdraw from Lebanon, though it has kept forces in several areas it deems strategic and continues to administer strikes across Lebanon. Israel's forces have also had tense encounters with the UN blue helmets. The draft resolution under discussion also 'calls for enhanced diplomatic efforts to resolve any dispute or reservation pertaining to the international border between Lebanon and Israel.' Council members were debating the draft resolution seen by AFP Monday ahead of a vote of the 15-member council on Aug 25 before the expiration of the force's mandate at the end of the month.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
US envoy says Israel's turn to ‘comply' as Lebanon moves to disarm Hezbollah
US envoy Tom Barrack says talks on Lebanon are 'moving in the right direction'. (EPA Images pic) BEIRUT : US envoy Tom Barrack on Monday called on Israel to honour commitments under a ceasefire that ended its war with Hezbollah after the Lebanese government launched a process to disarm the militant group. Under the November truce, which ended more than a year of hostilities, including two months of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group was to withdraw its fighters from near the Israeli border, and weapons were to come under the control of the Lebanese state. Israel was to withdraw its troops from the country but has kept them at five border points it deems strategic and has continued to strike Lebanon, threatening to do so until Hezbollah has been disarmed. 'There's always a step-by-step approach but I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They've taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply,' Barrack said following a meeting in Beirut with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. 'We're all moving in the right direction,' he said after meeting parliament speaker Nabih Berri. Berri, a Hezbollah ally, said Israel's commitment to the ceasefire and its troop withdrawal was 'the gateway to stability in Lebanon', a statement said. 'Progress' Asked by reporters whether he expected to see Israel fully withdraw from Lebanese territory and stop its violations, Barrack said that 'that's exactly the next step' needed. 'We need participation on the part of Israel, and we need an economic plan for prosperity, restoration and renovation,' the US diplomat added, with Lebanon weighed down by an economic crisis. Barrack said Washington was 'in the process of now discussing with Israel what their position is', adding that 'in the next few weeks you're going to see progress on all sides.' 'It means a better life for the people… and at least the beginning of a roadway to a different kind of dialogue' in the region, he said. The visit comes after Lebanon's cabinet tasked the army with developing a plan to disarm Hezbollah by year-end – an unprecedented step since civil war factions gave up their weapons decades ago. The cabinet has also tackled a US proposal that includes a timetable for Hezbollah's disarmament, with Washington pressing Lebanon to take action. The cabinet endorsed the introduction of the US text, which lists 11 objectives including to 'ensure the sustainability' of the ceasefire and to phase out 'the armed presence of all non-state actors, including Hezbollah' across all Lebanese territory. It also provides for demarcating Lebanon's land borders with Israel and neighbouring Syria and a process involving the international community to support reconstruction. 'Lebanese process' Aoun told Barrack that what was needed was for 'other parties to adhere to the contents' of the joint declaration, 'more support for the Lebanese army', and expedited steps towards reconstruction, the presidency said. Prime minister Nawaf Salam said Washington needed to 'fulfil its responsibility in pressuring Israel to halt hostilities', withdraw troops and release Lebanese prisoners it holds. Hezbollah, the only faction that kept its weapons after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, emerged badly weakened from last year's war with Israel. On Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem vowed to fight plans to disarm, saying that 'the resistance will not surrender its weapons while… occupation persists'. On Sunday, Aoun told the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya channel authorities would do 'everything possible… to spare Lebanon any internal or external shock'. If Lebanon rejected the US plan, 'then Israel will intensify its attacks, Lebanon will be economically isolated, and none of us will be able to respond to the aggression,' he said. Barrack on Monday stressed that 'dealing with Hezbollah, as we've always said, is a Lebanese process'.
