ASEAN agrees not to become 'battlefield of superpowers'

Indonesian President Joko Widodo affirmed that ASEAN has agreed not to act as an extension of any major power, and not to be an arena for “proxy” geopolitical competitions.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks at the plenary session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, held in Jakarta (Indonesia) on September 5 - Photo: REUTERS

This statement was made on September 5, when the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN ) Summit and related conferences officially opened in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

At the final summit in 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and ASEAN leaders discussed hot regional and global issues, as well as efforts to promote solidarity, strengthen ASEAN's centrality and raise ASEAN's profile in the international arena.

The 43rd ASEAN Summit takes place when the world is witnessing many difficulties, from economic to political and security instability.

Indonesia, the 2023 ASEAN chair, said the consecutive crises in the world are a challenge to the strength of the ASEAN community.

In his opening remarks at the ASEAN meeting, Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned against ASEAN being drawn into the competition between major powers. He called on ASEAN to come up with a “strategy with a long-term strategy that is consistent and meets the expectations of the people.”

“ASEAN has agreed not to become a proxy of any major power. Do not turn our ship into an arena for destructive competition.

We, as leaders, ensure that this ship continues to sail, and we must become captains on the way to achieving peace, stability and prosperity together," Reuters quoted Mr. Widodo.

Speaking on the same day, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also affirmed that ASEAN needs to guard against "divisive" actions from superpowers, while promoting the bloc's central role.

According to the Malaysian leader, the competition between superpowers is affecting the implementation of initiatives in ASEAN-led cooperation mechanisms.

Analysts say that in addition to current challenges, ASEAN also has the opportunity to promote its central role and take advantage of the potential for cooperation within the bloc and with external partners.

ASEAN leaders are aiming to unite to enhance and leverage the strength of this rapidly growing and potentially lucrative market.

During the series of conferences in Jakarta, ASEAN will also have the opportunity to share views on cooperation and international issues with leaders of China, the US, Japan, Russia, India, etc.

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