Latest news with #MyanmarCrisis
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Of Asean 2045, trade shifts, and Myanmar moves
Southeast Asian leaders met in Kuala Lumpur over two days for the 46th Asean Summit and related summits. KUALA LUMPUR : Southeast Asia took centre stage this week as leaders gathered for a rare convergence of three back-to-back summits – the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit. From long-term roadmaps and economic resilience plans to deepening strategic alliances, the message was clear: Asean is laying the groundwork to future-proof the region. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chairing the 46th summit, warned that the very foundations of Asean were being tested by rising protectionism, the ongoing Myanmar crisis, and a fragmented global order. 'It is the sense of centrality and our conviction to forge our own future that will enable us to stay ahead of the curve,' he said in his opening remarks. From stalemate to strategy on Myanmar Asean's credibility continues to be challenged by the prolonged civil war in Myanmar, and this year's summit signalled a potential pivot in approach. For the first time, Asean foreign ministers broached the idea of appointing a permanent special envoy to Myanmar, moving away from the current rotating system that has struggled to yield results. Thomas Daniel of ISIS told FMT this showed that Asean was 'finally recognising the need to move beyond its ad hoc approach', though much would depend on how the envoy's role was defined. 'Asean has always demonstrated flexibility between principles and pragmatism, and the same ought to apply to how it approaches Myanmar; but there is no excuse for inaction,' Daniel said. A tripartite push for closer cooperation The 2nd Asean-GCC Summit reinforced growing Gulf interest in Southeast Asia, with both sides pledging to expand cooperation in trade, investment and energy. Two-way trade between Asean and the GCC is expected to hit US$180 billion (RM757 billion) by 2032, a figure that Julia Roknifard of Taylor's University described as a 'steady and incremental rise'. 'It is clear that the GCC is looking to trade and invest with safer bets than the US or European Union over the long-term,' she told FMT. On the ongoing Asean-GCC free trade agreement talks, Roknifard said 'Asean could see significant investment inflows', particularly if the Gulf states broadened their focus beyond energy and into key sectors for Asean's growth. The momentum carried into the first-ever Asean-GCC-China Summit, where Chinese premier Li Qiang pledged, in his opening remarks, to bring 'powerful momentum' to the partnership described as 'one plus one plus one is greater than three'. 'As China's differences with the US and the West persist, it understandably reaches out more proactively to Southeast Asia and the Global South, both of which have traditionally been close to China,' Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs told FMT. Navigating turbulences better together Capping off the summit, Asean leaders unveiled the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on 'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future' – a forward-looking vision to steer the region through the next two decades of disruption and opportunity. 'We underscore the importance of enhancing Asean's resilience and promoting collective, efficient, effective and innovative responses to regional and global challenges and future shocks,' it reads – a rallying cry to secure the region's future. A five-year action plan was also adopted to boost regional trade, facilitate freer movement of goods and people, and attract foreign investment through regulatory reforms in industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing. In a separate joint statement, the leaders also pledged to upgrade the bloc's Asean+1 free trade deals and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a strategic shield against rising external headwinds and an effort to anchor the region firmly in the global economy. Together, these moves signal Asean's determination to not just survive global disruptions, but to shape the future with confidence, cohesion, and purpose.
CNA
4 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Philippine foreign affairs secretary urges ASEAN members to be united in tackling regional concerns
US tariffs, the South China Sea dispute and the ongoing Myanmar crisis are some of the key issues looming over the ASEAN Summit. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo sat down with CNA's Melissa Goh on the sidelines of the meetings in Kuala Lumpur on May 27. He emphasised the need for ASEAN members to be united in addressing these regional concerns and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar hails ‘significant' engagement on Myanmar as South-east Asian leaders meet
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today hailed 'significant' steps to engage warring sides in Myanmar, as South-east Asian leaders met for talks to address the protracted conflict and offset global trade uncertainty from US President Donald Trump's tariff threats. Myanmar has been in turmoil since its military overthrew the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering pro-democracy protests that morphed into a widening rebellion and conflict that has displaced more than 3.5 million people, according to the United Nations. Association of South-east Asian Nations leaders were expected to discuss ways to jumpstart Asean's faltering Myanmar peace process and build on recent efforts by Anwar, the bloc's current chair, to bring rival groups to the table. Anwar last month held a closed-door meeting in Bangkok with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and virtual talks with the shadow National Unity Government, describing those today as 'significant', but fragile. 'We have been able to move the needle forward in our efforts for the eventual resolution of the Myanmar crisis,' he said while opening the summit in Kuala Lumpur. 'I wish to stress that throughout this process, quiet engagement has mattered. The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf.' The junta aims to hold an election later this year, which critics have widely derided as a one-sided sham to keep the military in power through proxies. Asean has yet to discuss a common position on the election. Asean's top diplomats held special meetings on Myanmar at the weekend, where Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stressed a lot of negotiating was needed and said he would visit Myanmar next month. The ministers agreed to discuss creating a permanent Asean envoy for Myanmar, possibly for terms of three years, rather than changing envoys each year, he added. Thailand's foreign minister last week said he intends to propose broader international engagement with the junta, which remains barred from Asean summits over its failure to follow the peace plan. Tariff tremors Asean leaders will meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang for an economic summit tomorrow along with counterparts from Gulf countries, at a time of global market volatility and slowing economic growth sparked by Trump's trade tariff threats. Six South-east Asian countries targeted by Washington face steep tariffs of between 32 per cent and 49 per cent in July, unless negotiations on reductions succeed. Anwar said today he had written to Trump requesting a meeting on the tariffs between the United States and Asean, a region with a combined gross domestic product of US$3.8 trillion (RMRM16 trillion). In remarks ahead of the summit, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Asean leaders would compare responses to the tariffs, adding 'we must find a way to find consensus amongst the disparate situations that the different member states are operating under'. Marty Natalegawa, an Indonesian former foreign minister, said Asean should identify key areas to guide each member country's negotiations with Washington. 'Otherwise, there could be a risk of a lose-lose cycle in our own region,' he said. Also up for discussion is advancing Asean's drawn-out talks with Beijing on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, where tensions have long simmered over the activities of China's coast guard in the exclusive economic zones of its neighbours. China says it is operating lawfully in what are its waters. The most heated confrontations have taken place between China and the Philippines, with Marcos today calling for urgency in completing a legally binding code. 'This is to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations,' he said. — Reuters
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Fragile bridges better than widening gulfs as Asean steps up Myanmar peace efforts
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that quiet engagement has played an effective role in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. 'The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile, but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf,' he said in his opening remarks at the 46th Asean Summit here today. Anwar said Asean has been able to take positive steps with the formation of the Informal Advisory Group for Malaysia as the Asean Chair for 2025. Headed by Thailand former Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, Anwar said the group also met in Brunei Darussalam, graced by the presence of the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. 'It is significant that since the third meeting held in Bangkok, we have been able to move the needle forward in our efforts for the eventual resolution of the Myanmar crisis. 'We are grateful that the next meeting will be hosted by Cambodia former Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen,' he said. Earlier this month, Anwar initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. Yesterday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) had agreed that Asean would undertake internal consultations on the proposal to appoint a permanent ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar for a three-year term — a move aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained engagement in addressing the protracted crisis. The move has been seen as a potential breakthrough in Asean's mediation efforts. The Five-Point Consensus (5PC) was adopted by Asean in April 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1 that year. It calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar. Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta's continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a central concern in ASEAN's ongoing engagement with Myanmar. Meanwhile, for Asean, Anwar said peace, stability and prosperity have often depended on an open, inclusive, rules-based international order, anchored in the free flow of trade, capital and people. He said these foundations are now being dismantled under the force of arbitrary action. 'But again, I strongly believe in the fortitude and staying power of Asean to withstand the headwinds and weather the storms of the challenges and uncertainties facing us. 'It is with the sense of centrality and our conviction to forge our own future that will enable us to stay ahead of the curve,' he added. In this regard, Anwar said Asean is able to convene the first-ever Asean-GCC-China Summit, which demonstrates its reservoir of goodwill, empowering it to deepen and expand partnerships and to act with strategic clarity. The 46th Asean Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. This year also marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing Asean, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. — Bernama
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
As 46th summit opens in KL, Asean sec-gen reaffirms centrality, backs Malaysia's Myanmar leadership
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn has reaffirmed that the regional bloc remains united and committed to its centrality and solidarity, even amid growing external pressures and persistent challenges such as the South China Sea dispute and the Myanmar crisis. Speaking to the media ahead of the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here, Kao said the commitment was demonstrated when Asean Foreign Ministers, who met in four separate meetings yesterday, collectively reiterated that Asean's strength lies in its unity and centrality role in the region. 'The message is very clear. Asean Foreign Ministers have not just emphasised unity, but also reaffirmed how Asean will continue working together during this very challenging time,' he said. Kao, who is leading the Asean Secretariat delegation to the 46th Summit, as well as the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, said the bloc has consistently maintained a united voice on regional and global issues when engaging both internally and with external partners. Commenting on Malaysia's announcement to send a delegation to Myanmar to resume engagement with stakeholders there, Kao said this reflects the active role of the Asean Chair and the Special Envoy on Myanmar. 'We've seen that under Malaysia's chairmanship this year, the country has been very proactive and consistent in leading Asean, especially in efforts to engage Myanmar,' he said. He cited Malaysia's swift response to Myanmar's recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake as a key example of this leadership. In coordination with Thailand, Malaysia initiated a special Asean Foreign Ministers' meeting to discuss the delivery of assistance. 'The meeting was convened promptly to coordinate a common Asean response. Following that, we've seen the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar both collectively and individually by member states,' he said. Kao noted that Asean continues to play a key role in mobilising regional and external support, channelling it through Asean-coordinated platforms. On the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), Kao said Asean remains firm in its position. 'We want to see a long-term ceasefire, non-violence, inclusive political dialogue, and an escalation in humanitarian assistance to help the people of Myanmar affected by both the political crisis and the recent natural disaster,' he said. Responding to a question on whether Asean would press Myanmar's military junta to hold direct talks with the National Unity Government and other stakeholders, Kao reiterated the bloc's position by saying: 'We want to see an inclusive political dialogue that involves all key stakeholders. What I've observed is that Malaysia has been quite forthcoming in exercising leadership, with the support of Asean member states,' he said. Despite growing concerns over external influence and internal discord, Kao stressed that Asean's consistency, cohesion and commitment to regional peace and stability remain unwavering. — Bernama
