ASEAN and Australia Stand United Against Coercion, Championing Peaceful Dialogue in Melbourne Summit - thediplomaticaffairs.com

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Foreign Policy Politics March 4, 2024

ASEAN and Australia Stand United Against Coercion, Championing Peaceful Dialogue in Melbourne Summit

Photo: Reuters

On Monday, March 4, the vibrant city of Melbourne became the confluence of diplomatic dialogue and regional camaraderie as leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) joined hands with Australia in a unified stance against the use of force in dispute resolutions. The gathering, which drew representatives from the ten Southeast Asian countries along with their Australian hosts, was a testament to the collective aspiration for a region where sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld, and disputes are settled through respectful and peaceful means. The air of the summit was thick with implicit references to the actions of Beijing, whose assertive maneuvers in the South China Sea have long been a source of tension within the region. The draft joint statement, which was obtained by AFP prior to the meeting, painted a picture of solidarity amongst the nations in attendance, who share mutual concerns regarding the implications of military might overshadowing diplomatic discourse. “We aspire to a region where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected,” the draft read, encapsulating a vision of an Asia-Pacific that thrives on mutual respect and constructive engagement. The leaders in Melbourne, through their collective voice, aimed to send a clear message that any attempts to settle disputes by the “threat or use of force” would not be tolerated and would only serve to undermine the peace and stability that the region has been diligently working towards.

The ASEAN-Australia summit was not only a platform for political posturing but also an opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing ties between the nations. Australia’s strategic interest in Southeast Asia has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with ASEAN being a key partner in promoting regional security, economic growth, and cultural exchange. The Melbourne gathering further emphasized the commitment of both parties to deepen these bonds, especially in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape. The joint statement was poised to address several key areas of cooperation, including the promotion of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides a legal framework for maritime activities. The significance of this reference could not be understated, as it underlined the importance of legal norms and institutions in resolving maritime disputes, a direct nod to the South China Sea conundrum.

Moreover, the summit sought to enhance collaborative efforts in tackling transnational challenges such as terrorism, cyber security, and climate change. The leaders recognized that these issues transcend borders and necessitate a concerted response that leverages the strengths of each nation. By building a cohesive regional approach, ASEAN and Australia demonstrated their readiness to confront the complexities of the 21st century, beyond the traditional security concerns. The summit also provided an avenue for economic dialogue, with discussions surrounding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a mega trade deal that includes ASEAN and its free trade agreement (FTA) partners. The joint statement was expected to underscore the importance of open markets and the role of economic integration in fostering a prosperous and resilient regional economy.

In a world where the shadows of great power competition loom large, the ASEAN-Australia summit in Melbourne sent a resounding message that smaller nations are not mere pawns in the strategic games of their larger counterparts. The draft joint statement was a declaration of their collective agency, a call for respect, and a firm stance against any form of coercion. As the leaders departed Melbourne, the commitment to peaceful dialogue and respect for international law echoed in their wake.

By Roxana Stanica

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