ASEAN Faces Pressure: Peace Plans, Myanmar Crisis, South China Sea Deadlines

ASEAN's foreign ministers are under pressure to advance peace plans in Myanmar and conclude a South China Sea conduct code with China. The regional bloc struggles with unity as it tackles Myanmar's conflict and potential territorial conflicts in the South China Sea, pushing for significant diplomatic resolutions.

Southeast Asia's top diplomats convened under increased pressure to push a peace plan for Myanmar and meet a deadline for a nonaggression pact with China. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea are testing ASEAN's unity and diplomatic influence.

ASEAN has faced substantial challenges, with the association temporarily suspending Myanmar from chairing meetings. Meanwhile, the evolving South China Sea code of conduct negotiations must resolve critical issues by 2026, in light of expansive Chinese territorial claims overlapping with those of ASEAN members.

As tensions rise, ASEAN must also oversee the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, guide election monitoring decisions, and manage transnational crime and humanitarian efforts. The bloc's capacity for effective diplomacy and crisis management is crucial for regional stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)