Test of Asean's unity lies in its response to internal, regional challenges: PM Wong

He urges leaders to stay united in purpose despite members' own positions on issues

- Tan Tam Mei

VIENTIANE, Laos - The test of Asean's unity lies in how the bloc deals with internal challenges such as the situation in Myanmar, as well as key regional issues, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Oct 9.

This is even as the 10-member grouping faces an increasingly "troubled and turbulent" external environment, he said, addressing fellow Asean leaders at the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and related meetings held in Vientiane, Laos.

PM Wong, who delivered three speeches on Oct 9, also urged Asean leaders to remain united in purpose despite its diverse grouping and member states' own positions on regional and global issues.

The annual regional gathering is being held against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions, as well as concerns over rising military conflict in the Middle East, maritime disputes in the South China Sea, the broader US-China rivalry, and the continued civil unrest in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup.

In highlighting the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, which has not seen any political progress and has only increased in violence, PM Wong said Asean must hold the line on the five-point consensus.

This peace plan drawn up months after the coup calls for, among other things, dialogue among all parties and an immediate halt to violence.

"We have to be realistic about what Asean can do and, at the same time, (be) patient and steadfast in pursuing efforts towards peaceful resolution," said PM Wong, as he called on fellow leaders to maintain the bloc's positions, including the decision to ban Myanmar's military leaders from formal Asean summits and to allow only "non-political representatives" to attend.

Mr Aung Kyaw Moe, Permanent Secretary of the junta-controlled Foreign Ministry, is representing Myanmar at the current meet. He was also the representative at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July.