The 35th ASEAN Summit, held in Bangkok, Thailand, marked a significant milestone in the journey of ASEAN integration. The Chairman’s Statement, delivered by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, encapsulated the key achievements and future directions of the regional bloc. This article delves into the core themes of the statement, highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and addressing pressing regional challenges.
ASEAN’s Economic Prowess: Forging a Dynamic and Connected Region
A key focus of the 35th ASEAN Summit was bolstering economic integration and enhancing the region’s competitiveness in the global landscape. The Chairman’s Statement underscored the progress made in advancing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025, particularly in areas such as trade facilitation, investment liberalization, and digital economy development.
The statement emphasized the importance of:
- Deepening regional economic integration: ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to creating a single market and production base, with a focus on seamless connectivity, trade facilitation, and the free flow of goods, services, and investments.
- Harnessing the potential of the digital economy: Recognizing the transformative power of technology, the statement highlighted the need to accelerate digital transformation in ASEAN, fostering innovation, and bridging the digital divide.
- Promoting sustainable and inclusive growth: ASEAN leaders stressed the significance of ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of society, with a focus on creating quality jobs, reducing inequality, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Navigating Regional and Global Challenges: A Unified ASEAN Front
The 35th ASEAN Summit took place against a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics and emerging global challenges. The Chairman’s Statement addressed these issues head-on, reiterating ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region.
Key areas of focus included:
- The South China Sea issue: ASEAN leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and overflight in the South China Sea. They called for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC).
- The Rohingya crisis: The statement expressed ASEAN’s deep concern over the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and called for a comprehensive and durable solution to the Rohingya crisis. ASEAN leaders urged Myanmar to address the root causes of the conflict and create conditions conducive to the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced persons.
- Combating terrorism and transnational crime: ASEAN leaders recognized the growing threat of terrorism and transnational crime, including cybercrime, trafficking in persons, and illicit drug trafficking. They emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among ASEAN member states and with dialogue partners to address these challenges effectively.
ASEAN’s Vision for the Future: A Resilient, Dynamic, and People-Oriented Community
The 35th ASEAN Summit Chairman’s Statement concluded by outlining ASEAN’s vision for the future—a resilient, dynamic, and people-oriented community. The statement emphasized the importance of:
- Strengthening ASEAN centrality and unity: ASEAN leaders stressed the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture and upholding the principles of consensus-based decision-making and non-interference in internal affairs.
- Promoting people-to-people connectivity: The statement highlighted the need to enhance people-to-people exchanges, particularly among the youth, to foster a sense of community and shared identity.
- Advancing ASEAN’s global partnerships: ASEAN leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with dialogue partners to address common challenges and promote regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Conclusion: ASEAN’s Steadfast March Towards Integration
The 35th ASEAN Summit Chairman’s Statement served as a powerful testament to ASEAN’s enduring commitment to regional integration, peace, and prosperity. As ASEAN navigates an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the bloc’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and a shared vision for the future will be more crucial than ever.
