Although some of the most powerful countries in the world are now involved in conflict, recession, and inflation, the ASEAN mostly emphasizes the need of peace and economic stability. Based in Southeast Asia, ASEAN is a regional body of 10 members: Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Burma, and Brunei Darussalam.

Laos takes over as ASEAN chairperson in 2024. The subject this year is “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”. Emphasizing the ASEAN 2024 topic by means of chances and addressing rising issues centers the ASEAN community.

Commonly referred to as Laos, the ASEAN 2024 host nation is officially named as Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR). Being in Southeast Asia, Laos is primarily connected with being the “Land of a Million Elephants,” as it will provide wealth to Laotians.

Established in Bangkok, Thailand, with five founding fathers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, ASEAN was born out of the “Bangkok Declaration”. Brunei Darussalam joined the grouping in 1984; Vietnam followed in 1995; Lao PDR and Myanmar in 1997; and Cambodia in 1999.

Right now, around 60% of ASEAN’s whole population falls under the age of 35. It makes the area a dynamic market for sophisticated sciences — robotics, social media, e-commerce platforms, artificial intelligence, and everything around. Half of such a population by 2030 will be middle class members.

GREETINGS ON YOUR 57TH BIRTHDAY, ASEAN!

After 1967, the ASEAN community commemorates its establishment every eighth of August. This celebration reminds us of the goals of the ASEAN founding fathers and how they developed into what ASEAN is all about in the modern society.

Emphasizing connectedness and resilience among members in sectors like sustainable development, digital transformation, and resilient economies, the 57th ASEAN Day highlighted. Through government-to-government and people-to-people interactions, ASEAN promoted economic development, social change, and cultural appreciation by means of shared and cooperative efforts to fit a changing global scene.

ASEAN is destined to be a powerful Asian regional grouping. Given the development of ASEAN, one can see that its exceptional qualities — strategic geographic position, varied cultures, customs, traditions, and political systems and philosophies — which also challenge its fundamental foundation. Future challenges might arise from a territory with such varied civilizations.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SOUTH CHINA SEA

Among uncertainty and national interests, ASEAN aims to have the South China Sea code of conduct completed by 2026. ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn visited Washington in June 2024 to advocate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and the United States; he noted the situation that is becoming worse and requested the parties to use moderation.

Although applicants have been fervently advocating a code of behavior for many years, the gravity may appear different from that of the non-claimants as they may not want to endanger their particular interactions with China. Although the code of behavior was constantly in development, China has never adopted such a stance as it never achieved its final form of legal bindingness.
Real manifestations of the lack of the ASEAN posture in the South China Sea Code of Conduct include different points of view, complicated issues, and split desires. Regarding the code of behavior, ASEAN is definitely not unified. Vietnam and the Philippines have open lines of contact with China separately and concurrently. For example, the Philippines has gone through many unpleasant events that have led to diplomatic objections against China.

THE MYANMAR CONUNDRUM   

The member nations of ASEAN have been indecisive for more than three years in trying for a regional settlement on the present situation of Myanmar. Both Laos and Cambodia are authoritarian in character, hence, they assist the dictatorship in certain respects. Under a junta government that destroyed democracy in 2021, other ASEAN nations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia maintained some degree of contact with the opposition in Myanmar. At this moment in time, most ASEAN nations appear to be primarily focused on eliminating violence.

Though ASEAN is a regional entity with great goals, fundamental problems still exist. For instance, the internal conflicts of the ASEAN members mirror the issues in the South China Sea conflict and the junta government of Myanmar.

FUTURE ASEAN TRAJECTORY: WHAT IS IT?

Indeed, there are many clear economic signals, socio-cultural contributions, and images reflecting Asia; yet, in politics, there are certain gaps, particularly those that really affect the international order.

One may find both good and bad aspects in resilience and connectedness. Positive because ASEAN multilateral diplomacy is headed toward regional cooperation. The bad side of it is that some of the most crucial fundamental elements remain unsolved. Soft and cultural tolerance does not convert into a toolkit of fundamental global concerns of relevance and significance. ASEAN should rethink its multilateral commitment; unlike certain groupings or even treaties, an issue of one affect all. Independent bilateral diplomacy should not waver under a member of another nation in regional diplomacy. Pushing for the regional ambitions reflecting its pillars and charter calls for great cooperation, coordination, and dedication.