Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has raised significant concerns regarding Myanmar’s actions during the 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Vientiane, Laos. According to Dr Ng, Myanmar’s behaviour threatens to undermine the ASEAN Centrality that has taken two decades to build in regional defence cooperation.
Impasse Over Defence Cooperation
Dr Ng noted that Myanmar’s objection to various discussions—and notably its reluctance to support the inclusion of new partners in the ADMM—has led the ASEAN bloc to an impasse. He stated, “If this continues, the ADMM will lose credibility.” His remarks highlight the growing frustration within the coalition as member states aim to enhance their collaborative defence efforts.
Call for Unity
- Dr Ng urged Myanmar not to engage ASEAN for its own political retaliation.
- He emphasised the need for member states to remain united in advancing shared objectives.
- More than 5,000 civilians have died and over 3.3 million displaced due to ongoing unrest in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021.
Future Agenda and Challenges
The ministers also approved a strategy document co-sponsored by Brunei and Singapore to ensure the ADMM remains relevant beyond 2025. They plan to refresh the ADMM-Plus Expert Working Groups, which encompass critical areas like maritime security, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism.
Joint Declaration and Broader Issues
The ADMM’s recent joint declaration did not shy away from addressing significant security challenges faced by ASEAN nations. These include:
- The South China Sea disputes
- The situation in Myanmar
- Climate change
The upcoming ADMM-Plus meeting on 21 November 2024 is expected to further explore these pressing issues with input from dialogue partners, showcasing ASEAN’s commitment to regional security and resilience.
As Dr Ng concluded, all eyes will be on ASEAN’s capacity to navigate this complex situation and maintain its core principles in a united front.