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Malaysia Takes Leadership in ASEAN While Managing Expectations on Myanmar and South China Sea Issues – 01/19/2025 | Zonebourse

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Malaysia has taken on the rotating presidency of ASEAN during a pivotal time, facing challenges such as China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and the political turmoil in Myanmar following the military coup. While Malaysia aims to address these issues, officials caution against expectations for swift resolutions. The ongoing negotiations for a code of conduct with China and Myanmar’s controversial elections further complicate the landscape, highlighting the need for realistic approaches and regional cooperation.

Malaysia’s Leadership Role in ASEAN

Malaysia has assumed the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a coalition comprising ten member states. This leadership comes at a critical juncture as ASEAN grapples with China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and the ongoing challenges in Myanmar, where the military government plans to proceed with elections this year.

Challenges Ahead for ASEAN

Malaysia is dedicated to addressing significant regional concerns, but a senior official has cautioned that hopes surrounding Myanmar and the ongoing negotiations for an ASEAN-China code of conduct regarding the South China Sea should be realistic. “Expecting immediate solutions is quite ambitious,” stated Amran Mohamed Zin, the Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing prior to the retreat held on Langkawi Island.

Since the military coup in early 2021 that ousted the elected government, Myanmar has been engulfed in unrest, leading to pro-democracy protests and a rising armed rebellion that has gained control over substantial regions of the country. Despite these issues and a crumbling economy, the junta is pushing forward with plans for elections that many critics deem a façade intended to maintain military dominance through proxy candidates.

ASEAN has yet to activate the “Five-Point Consensus” peace plan established shortly after the coup, which calls for dialogue and a cessation of violence. Additionally, the organization has not reached a unified stance regarding the impending elections in Myanmar. “There is a strong desire to assist Myanmar… pledges have been made and will persist during Malaysia’s presidency,” Mr. Amran added.

In terms of the South China Sea, Mr. Amran highlighted that each ASEAN member has a crucial role in ensuring this vital waterway remains a “sea of peace and trade.” Notably, there has been some progress in formulating a code of conduct with China, which asserts sovereignty over the majority of this strategic area. The South China Sea is crucial for global trade, with approximately $3 trillion in annual maritime commerce traversing its waters. Over the past two years, tensions have escalated, particularly between ASEAN member the Philippines and China, which is a significant trade and investment partner in the region.

Vietnam and Malaysia have also expressed concerns over the activities of Chinese vessels in their exclusive economic zones, while China contends that these operations are within its territorial rights. The Philippine Foreign Minister recently indicated that it is time to tackle complex “step issues” concerning the extended code, including its scope and potential legal binding.

Adib Zalkapli, the Director-General of the geopolitical research firm Viewfinder Global Affairs, remarked that while Malaysia shows political will to foster a resolution for Myanmar, significant advancements regarding regulations in the South China Sea are unlikely during Malaysia’s tenure. “The requesting states must take charge of this issue to prevent unnecessary escalation,” Mr. Zalkapli concluded.

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