Southeast Asia: No One’s Backyard – OpEd

The commitment made by China's Foreign Minister and Russia's Foreign Minister during the ASEAN Meeting in Laos in July 2024 to address the presence of external forces in Southeast Asia serves as a testament to their strategic interests in the region.

It is essential, however, that all external powers, including China and Russia, refrain from introducing geopolitical conflicts into Southeast Asia to protect regional stability and sovereignty. This essay examines the implications of this commitment on the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia and emphasizes the importance for all global powers to respect the region's autonomy and abstain from external interference. 

Southeast Asia has consistently been regarded as a region of great significance, both economically and geopolitically. Its strategic position along major maritime trade routes, abundance of natural resources, and rapidly growing markets have made it a focal point for global powers. Throughout history, the region has been influenced by colonial powers and, more recently, by major global actors such as the United States, China, and Russia. The recent pledge made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reinforces their nations' dedication to the stability and security of the region, highlighting their roles as protectors of Southeast Asian interests.

This statement arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and China. Russia and China have both been expanding their influence in Southeast Asia through economic investments, military cooperation, and diplomatic engagements. For example, China has been actively engaging with Southeast Asian countries through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), consisting of significant infrastructure projects such as the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-High Bandung-Speed Railway.

These initiatives aim to stimulate economic growth and enhance connectivity in the region, thereby reinforcing China's influence and commitment to regional development. China's diplomatic efforts are further exemplified by the visits of high-ranking leaders from Southeast Asian nations to China. Recently, leaders from Laos, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste have visited China, underscoring the strong ties between these countries and Beijing. The implementation of visa exemption agreements with countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste has also facilitated stronger people-to-people exchanges and bilateral relationships.

Meanwhile, Russia has been bolstering its military cooperation with Southeast Asian nations. Joint military exercises and strategic projects like the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia emphasize Russia's commitment to regional security. The establishment of the Ream Naval Base, which is funded by China, has garnered international attention and raised concerns among the United States and its allies due to its potential as a strategic military asset for Beijing. These developments underscore the deepening relationships between Russia, China, and Southeast Asian countries, to counterbalance Western influence in the region.

The joint statement by Lavrov and Wang underscores the necessity for external powers, namely Russia, China, the USA, and their allies, to abstain from introducing their geopolitical conflicts into Southeast Asia. This call for non-interference is vital in upholding regional stability and security. Southeast Asia has frequently been a theatre for proxy conflicts, and the participation of external powers can worsen tensions and undermine regional peace. The emphasis on non-interference is in line with the principles of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which advocates for regional self-governance and peaceful dispute resolution. ASEAN's commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a region characterized by peace, autonomy, impartiality, and non-alignment (ZOPFAN) is instrumental in preventing the area from becoming a stage for conflicts among major powers.

The involvement of global powers in the region's affairs should be guided by mutual respect for sovereignty and the principles of peaceful coexistence. Within this context, it is crucial to address the criticisms and concerns raised by the USA and its allies regarding China's expanding influence in Southeast Asia. The United States has expressed concerns regarding China's military presence and strategic initiatives such as the Ream Naval Base and the Funan Techo Canal project in Cambodia. These projects have caused alarm due to their potential to enhance China's strategic military capabilities in the region.

Similarly, the USA has criticized China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, resulting in increased military activities and tensions in the area. Nonetheless, it is important for all global powers, including the USA, to approach Southeast Asia with a mindset focused on cooperation and mutual benefits rather than confrontation. The focus should be on promoting economic development, and regional integration, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and transnational crime. The engagement of external powers should complement ASEAN's efforts and respect the region's autonomy and sovereignty.

Recommendations

Promoting Economic Cooperation: It is recommended that global powers prioritize economic cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, giving particular attention to infrastructure development, trade, and investment that will contribute to the region's growth and prosperity. 

Strengthening Regional Institutions: It is advised to offer support and enhance the capacity of regional institutions such as ASEAN, thus enabling them to effectively address regional challenges and maintain their autonomy in making decisions.

Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration: It is encouraged to promote dialogue and collaboration among global powers and Southeast Asian countries, to collectively address shared challenges in an inclusive and mutually beneficial manner.

Respecting Sovereignty: It is essential to uphold the principles of non-interference and respect for sovereignty, ensuring that external engagements are conducted based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. 

Addressing Regional Security Concerns: Measures should be taken to engage in confidence-building and enhance transparency to address regional security concerns, thereby mitigating the risk of conflict and creating a stable and secure environment.

To conclude, the joint statement by the Russian and Chinese foreign ministers accentuates their commitment to safeguarding Southeast Asia's interests and maintaining regional stability and security. The stress on non-interference by external powers, encompassing Russia, China, the USA, and their allies, is pivotal in preventing the region from becoming a battleground for geopolitical conflicts. The engagement of global actors in Southeast Asia should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation for the common good. This approach will ensure that Southeast Asia continues to be a region characterized by peace, freedom, and impartiality, fostering economic growth and regional development.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

References

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6. "Concerns Over China's Influence in Southeast Asia." The New York Times, 25 June 2024. Link.
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