The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat commenced on Tuesday, February 25, amid a rapidly shifting global landscape. The meeting, held this year under Malaysia's chairmanship, brings together Southeast Asian leaders to address pressing regional challenges. Among these challenges is the ongoing dispute in the South China Sea, where ASEAN and China have been working towards a peaceful resolution. However, progress has been slow, with significant sticking points in negotiations over a code of conduct to manage the disputes peacefully. This issue highlights the broader geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, placing Southeast Asia in a delicate position.
Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality during this period of heightened global tensions. The need for a cohesive and unified approach is crucial, especially given the unpredictable nature of international relations under the Trump administration. Defence analyst Zakaria Ahmad from the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College noted the persistent sticking points in negotiations, reflecting the complexity of reaching consensus among the involved parties.
"As for challenges of South China Sea, there is a need for all of us to ensure freedom of navigation, observe international law and try to not make this area as a place of contestation of superpowers," stated Mr Khaled.
The negotiations have encountered difficulties over fundamental issues such as defining the geographical scope of the code and whether it should be legally binding. Ms Susannah Patton, director of the Southeast Asia programme at the Lowy Institute, highlighted these challenges.
"There are still some very basic contradictions in what Southeast Asian countries and China would be willing to accept when it comes to the code of conduct negotiations," she said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently called for the swift conclusion of these negotiations to bring stability to the region. His call underscores the urgency felt by ASEAN nations as they face escalating tensions between major powers like China and the United States.
The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, which have sparked concerns over potential conflicts. Ms Sharon Seah, coordinator of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's ASEAN Studies Centre, described the current era as "a very extraordinary period of developments."
"I think a very realistic and pragmatic assessment needs to be done," she added, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in navigating these complex waters.
The ADMM Retreat serves as a platform for ASEAN members to discuss these pressing issues and explore ways to enhance regional cooperation and diplomacy. Ensuring freedom of navigation and adherence to international law remains paramount, as ASEAN seeks to avoid turning the South China Sea into a battleground for superpower rivalry.
"I think communication is really important at this point, because we want to avoid any kind of miscommunication. It could lead to accidental conflict. I think that's the most worrying aspect coming out of the South China Sea," Ms Seah commented.
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