The annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is taking place in Laos, with significant participation from global leaders. The summit began on October 9, 2024, and aims to strengthen ties between ASEAN members and external partners, particularly focusing on political, economic, and security issues.
The European Union (EU) is represented by Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, who has been invited to engage with ASEAN leaders on key strategic partnerships. The summit is seen as a pivotal moment for the EU-ASEAN relationship, with discussions anticipated to cover a broad range of topics affecting the region.
Notably, the summit has highlighted tensions in the South China Sea, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accusing China of harassment and calling for a framework for a code of conduct regarding disputed waters. Meanwhile, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping has raised questions about China's engagement in regional affairs, as Premier Li Qiang represents China at the summit.
In addition to ASEAN leaders, representatives from South Korea, Canada, and Australia are present, while the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends in place of President Joe Biden. Analysts expect limited resolutions on critical regional issues, including the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The summit also serves as a platform for discussions on trade and investment, with the EU eager to enhance its economic ties with ASEAN, which represents a market of approximately 685 million people. The EU-ASEAN trade relationship is robust, with bilateral trade valued at around €270 billion in the previous year.
As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN presidency in January 2025, the EU looks forward to collaborating closely with Malaysia on various initiatives, including a special EU-ASEAN leaders' summit early next year.
In conclusion, the ASEAN summit in Laos is significant for regional diplomacy and economic collaboration, while also reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Southeast Asia.