Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of avoiding a “new Cold War” while addressing conflicts at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Indonesia. Li urged countries to handle differences and disputes in a way that promotes peace and cooperation rather than division and confrontation.
The summit, attended by world leaders from Asean countries, China, Japan, and South Korea, aimed to address the escalating geopolitical rivalries in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, the absence of both US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit raised concerns about the increasing tensions between the two powers.
One of the main concerns discussed during the summit was China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, a crucial trade route where multiple Asean members have territorial disputes with China. Asean expressed the importance of maintaining a conducive environment in the region, particularly in the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea.
The United States and its allies echoed Asean’s calls for freedom of navigation and refraining from building physical presence in disputed waters. China has constructed various facilities, including runways, on small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, which has raised alarms among neighboring countries.
In response to China’s latest actions, Asean and China discussed expediting negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea. This code of conduct aims to establish guidelines and mechanisms for peacefully resolving disputes in the region.
The draft statement issued by Asean highlighted the need to enhance stability in the maritime domain and explore new initiatives in that regard. However, some critics argue that the statement is weak when it comes to addressing the issues of the South China Sea. The Philippines, in particular, has grown impatient with Asean’s approach to dealing with China’s presence in the area.
The summit also witnessed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledging to work with Japan and China towards the early resumption of three-way talks. Yoon emphasized the importance of halting military cooperation with North Korea, referring to reports of Kim Jong Un planning to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for discussions on supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Overall, the Asean summit served as a platform for discussions and negotiations aimed at easing tensions and promoting peaceful resolutions in the region. As tensions continue to rise, it becomes imperative for countries to find common ground and maintain open lines of communication to prevent further escalation of conflicts.