ASEAN 'cannot be neutral all the time' amid growing geopolitical competition, says Thai foreign minister
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who is also Thailand's deputy prime minister, tells CNA that while ASEAN will continue to avoid taking sides among major powers, neutrality also has its limits.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) cannot remain completely neutral amid increasing geopolitical tension. During a speech at the ISEAS Roundtable, Sihasak acknowledged that while ASEAN will continue to avoid taking sides among major powers like China and the United States, neutrality does have its limits. He emphasized that decisions made by the regional bloc must be consistent with its own interests.
Sihasak stressed the importance of ASEAN remaining united in navigating the competition among major powers, particularly China and the United States, while also maintaining the flexibility to engage with all partners. He expressed hope that the United States and China, whose relationship is highly consequential to the region and the world, would manage their relations and stabilize them as much as possible.
Beyond great-power rivalry, Sihasak also highlighted broader challenges confronting the region, such as conflicts, economic uncertainty, and rapid global changes. He pointed to concerns over energy and food security, noting that the conflict in the Middle East has underscored the need for ASEAN to strengthen existing mechanisms like petroleum security arrangements and emergency rice reserves.
The Thai diplomat also emphasized the need for ASEAN to expand regional power connectivity and increase the use of clean and renewable energy. Sihasak stressed that ASEAN must rise to the occasion in addressing these challenges, as the issues facing the region are not the same as those faced in the past, and the world is undergoing a major transformation.
In terms of ASEAN centrality, Sihasak reiterated that it means maintaining peace within Southeast Asia and contributing to stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region. He expressed hope that the United States and China would continue their efforts to stabilize ties, as the relationship between these two major powers has significant implications for the region and the world.
Sihasak will be traveling to Myanmar on November 12 to push for de-escalation in the country's ongoing civil war and assess the country's readiness to re-engage with ASEAN ahead of the ASEAN Summit from November 15 to 18.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
