ASEAN leaders gathered in Laos along with leaders from the US, India, Japan, and Russia for the East Asia Summit plenary meeting. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held their first summit in Laos to deepen security and economic ties. Yoon has worked to mend relations with Japan and enhance trilateral security cooperation involving the US as a top diplomatic priority.
During the meetings in Laos, South Korea and ASEAN announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership aims to develop defence industry cooperation and strengthen ASEAN’s cybersecurity capabilities. Negotiations were also finalized on an upgrade to an ASEAN-China free trade area, addressing customs, supply chain connectivity, competition, consumer protection, and non-tariff barriers.
The discussions in Laos also focused on the crisis in Myanmar, which began with a military coup in 2021 and has escalated into a civil war. ASEAN leaders called for an end to violence and attacks on civilians and supported efforts to find a peaceful solution. Cooperation with Myanmar’s neighbouring states and the UN was emphasized to address the crisis and its broader impacts on issues like narcotics and crime.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s generals, accusing them of committing systematic atrocities. The junta in Myanmar has dismissed these accusations as misinformation. ASEAN’s efforts to mediate the crisis have faced challenges, with the bloc now exploring new strategies to address the ongoing conflict. ASEAN leaders acknowledged that the existing peace process, the “Five-Point Consensus,” has not been successful in improving the situation in Myanmar.
The discussions in Laos highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity in addressing complex challenges like the crisis in Myanmar and strengthening supply chain resilience. The meetings underscored the need for diplomatic efforts, cooperation with international partners, and a commitment to finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to conflicts within the region. ASEAN’s engagement with global leaders during the East Asia Summit demonstrates a collective commitment to promoting stability, security, and economic prosperity in the region.
