Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet this week in Vientiane, Laos, to discuss issues confronting the 10-member bloc, including ongoing regional economic integration and the digital and green economies.
Laos, as chair, has designated “connectivity and resilience” as the theme of this year’s ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. Representatives from ASEAN ‘dialogue partner’ countries — including Canada, China, India, Russia, and the U.S. — will attend the bloc’s post-ministerial conferences.
Bloc gives wide berth to Beijing
In December 2023, ASEAN foreign ministers issued a carefully worded criticism of China over “threats and the use of force” in the South China Sea, urging dialogue.
On Monday, ASEAN member Philippines reportedly reached an agreement with China to reduce tensions in the contested waters. Beijing and Manila have so far issued differing interpretations of the agreement.
Although a positive development, the effectiveness of the pact will be tested during the next Philippine resupply mission to the Sierra Madre, the grounded vessel at the heart of recent maritime disputes between the two countries.
Death of CPV leader could rattle Vietnam
Vietnam, also an ASEAN member, is holding a state funeral tomorrow following the death of Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary, since 2011, of the country’s ruling Communist Party. Trong was the architect of the country’s anti-corruption campaign that led to criminal charges or disciplinary actions for an estimated 200,000 party members.
Vietnam has emerged as a major destination for Western businesses looking to diversify production away from China. But Trong’s death may spell further political instability for Vietnam, which, since January 2023, has seen two presidents and the head of the country’s parliament resign over “shortcomings and violations.”
