Asean foreign ministers emphasized the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, calling for the safe and transparent delivery of aid without discrimination. The bloc condemned ongoing violence and urged all parties to halt indiscriminate acts. With more than 5,400 deaths and 27,000 arrests since the military coup in February 2021, the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, prompting Asean to push for a “five-point consensus” for peace.
Aside from Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea also took center stage at the meetings, with Asean advocating for freedom of navigation. Asean members with disputes in the region urged practical measures to reduce tensions, emphasizing the need for dialogue and mutual agreements to prevent conflicts.
The US-China rivalry was evident at the talks, with both nations seeking to expand influence in the region. As Asean navigates these complexities, maintaining stability, peace, and cooperation remains crucial for the bloc’s credibility and efficiency in addressing regional challenges.