The ASEAN summit concluded after three days of discussions on Saturday, focusing on the violence in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea. Chaired by Laos’ Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, the meeting included representatives from the US, Russia, and China.
Myanmar’s post-coup humanitarian crisis was a central issue of the summit. ASEAN issued a joint statement urging immediate action to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need safely and transparently. They condemned the ongoing violence against civilians and infrastructure and called for an end to indiscriminate attacks. Since the February 2021 military coup, Myanmar has experienced severe unrest, with over 5,400 deaths, more than 27,000 arrests, and over 3 million displaced individuals. ASEAN’s “five-point consensus” aimed at ending the violence has not been fully implemented.
The summit also addressed tensions in the South China Sea, where ASEAN reiterated its support for freedom of navigation and advocated for the full execution of a code of conduct currently under negotiation with China. The disputes in the South China Sea involve several ASEAN members, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. An agreement between the Philippines and China recently facilitated an interference-free supply trip to a contested area, potentially easing regional tensions.
Geopolitical issues were also highlighted during the summit. Discussions were held between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The growing cooperation between China and Russia came into focus, with Wang Yi expressing concerns about the potential deployment of US missile systems in the Philippines and suggesting it could escalate tensions in the region.
Earlier in April, ASEAN foreign ministers called for a ceasefire in Myanmar amid escalating violence.
For further details on the discussions and outcomes of the summit, you can refer to the full report here.