The European Union (EU) is investing billions in Southeast Asia as officials push for deeper ties during the annual ASEAN meeting in Laos. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), comprising 10 member states, views this summit as a key platform to engage with foreign partners on critical political, economic, and security issues.
European Council President Charles Michel represents the EU at the summit, which is expected to facilitate discussions on broader topics at the upcoming East Asia Summit. ASEAN, home to approximately 685 million people, is becoming an increasingly important player in the global economy.
Notably, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are absent from the conference, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Premier Li Qiang representing their respective nations. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised concerns about harassment in the South China Sea, highlighting regional tensions.
Despite expectations for significant resolutions on contentious issues, such as the South China Sea disputes and ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn emphasized the need for patience regarding Myanmar's complex situation.
In the backdrop of the summit, EU officials are engaging with Southeast Asian leaders on trade and investment, with expectations for strengthened EU-ASEAN relations in 2024. The EU's proposed anti-deforestation legislation has faced pushback from Southeast Asian nations but has been postponed, allowing regional companies more time to adapt.
As Malaysia prepares to assume ASEAN leadership in January 2025, analysts anticipate a shift towards a more assertive stance on regional issues compared to the current leadership under Laos. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also adopted a more critical view of Western nations, particularly regarding the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.