Faced with increasing instability stemming from competition between great powers, it is not surprising that Vietnam wants to focus on the future of ASEAN. Since joining the Association, Vietnam has been able to integrate in all aspects such as politics – security, economics, society – culture with the remaining ASEAN members.
With nearly 30 years of membership in ASEAN, Vietnam hopes that ASEAN will always be united and be able to respond to changes in both the regional and international context. As history has proven, ASEAN still has the ability to reduce tensions and promote cooperative efforts among member countries as well as dialogue partners. As a member of the ASEAN “family”, each country has a voice and can persuade the remaining members of the “family”, thereby forming the necessary consensus, contributing to further consolidate and strengthen the central role of ASEAN.
Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, Senior Fellow, Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University (Thailand). (Photo: VGP)
Consensus is natural
Critics often blame ASEAN for lacking quick responses and remedies when dealing with crises. As a non-military organization with the clear goal of promoting peace and prosperity, it is natural for ASEAN to reach consensus before committing to any goal.
ASEAN is not like the major powers, which can respond or later reverse their decisions at will. Once ASEAN makes a commitment, it will be a firm and unchanging stance. Thus, ASEAN is a very unique organization: an Association that strives to solve problems to maintain stability and improve human security and livelihoods of the ASEAN Community.
Vietnam’s initiative is timely because ASEAN’s overall ability to respond to current geopolitical changes is a frequently mentioned question. ASEAN can further strengthen its centrality, solidarity and modus operandi through increased high-level consultations, especially among leaders.
There also needs to be a mechanism that allows ASEAN leaders to meet face to face when there is a risk of an impending crisis. At times like these, it is important that during meetings or consultations, ASEAN leaders feel comfortable, they should spend more time together to discuss. The future of ASEAN depends on the coordinated ability of leaders to translate shared concerns, perspectives and perceptions into relevant and tangible action plans.
