As Southeast Asian countries face escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) kicks off today in Kuala Lumpur. Analysts expect the protracted Myanmar crisis and the global impact of US-imposed tariffs to be the main highlights of the meeting.
Amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, escalating tensions in the South China Sea, and the rise of global protectionism, ASEAN faces increasing pressure to build a unified front and safeguard regional autonomy in the face of intensifying competition among major powers.
Dr. Rowena, a historical adviser and researcher at IMAN Research, said: “The Myanmar issue remains the most pressing problem. Although the Five-Point Consensus was reached and efforts have been made to build a unified front, the crisis continues to challenge ASEAN’s cohesion.”
She mentioned that Thailand’s political situation could also affect regional dynamics, especially its relationship with Myanmar. The recent suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn could alter ties between Bangkok and Naypyidaw.
She pointed out that, following clashes in late May near the Chiang Khong border area, the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border has also raised concerns.
Rowena expects that external challenges—especially ASEAN’s ties with the United States and China—will also be focal points. Although ASEAN has so far maintained a certain degree of neutrality, shifts in US policy remain a source of concern.
“US policies, particularly those concerning tariffs and Middle East issues, have been chaotic and unpredictable. ASEAN may need to explore a framework to shield the region from the instability wrought by such changes.”
Rowena, who specializes in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern affairs, said: “Although Malaysia has downplayed the economic impact of this threat, the situation still raises regional concerns.
“The ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting may wish to discuss measures to protect critical trade routes and airspace from future disruptions.”
She also expects that the US’s increasingly strict immigration policies and ongoing trade frictions will be discussed at the ASEAN Dialogue Partner Meetings held during the foreign ministers' summit.
Given the signs of rising unilateralism, ASEAN member states will closely watch how the US handles its engagement with the region.
Rowena also expects ASEAN to exchange views on broader global issues—especially climate change—with its dialogue partners.
“Climate change may become a key issue, especially for the EU. It’s likely to be difficult to reach consensus with the US, given its lower level of engagement.”
Rowena and some analysts agree that ASEAN’s stance as a nuclear-weapon-free zone stands as a model for broader nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
She said, as global nuclear stability faces pressure, the region’s experience in managing nuclear arrangements provides a constructive example.
“ASEAN provides a reliable model for how to manage regional and intergovernmental nuclear negotiations. Major powers—including the US—ought to emulate this approach.”
Aligned with Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 and the theme of ‘Inclusion and Sustainability,’ the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related conferences are among the most important events on the agenda. Twenty-four ministerial meetings will be held, as well as consultations with ASEAN dialogue partners and sectoral dialogue partners.
This high-profile event will be one of the largest gatherings of foreign ministers and senior diplomats from around the world, aimed at discussing urgent global and regional issues, promoting cooperation, and advancing ASEAN’s agenda of security and sustainable development.
More than 40 foreign ministers and representatives of international organizations will attend a series of ASEAN-led meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11.
Foreign ministers from all ASEAN member states except Myanmar will participate. Myanmar will send a senior official from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a representative, and the foreign minister of Timor-Leste will participate as an observer.