Latest news with #ACV2045
AllAfrica
26-06-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Time to revive and empower ASEAN's High Council
In late May, Southeast Asian foreign ministers met in Kuala Lumpur to unveil the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 plan. This plan, known as ACV 2045, is intended to serve as a roadmap for ASEAN nations to enhance their economic productivity and ensure regional stability. However, against the backdrop of this meeting, Thailand and Cambodia were embroiled in a deadly border clash that reignited long-simmering tensions. This ongoing standoff is not an isolated occurrence. Several ASEAN nations share similar territorial grievances with their neighbors, resulting in a range of consequences, from diplomatic protests to armed conflicts. Amid an increasingly complex external geopolitical environment and internal ambitions for greater integration, recurring territorial disputes pose a significant challenge that undermines ASEAN centrality and hinders its ability to address key issues and implement initiatives effectively. It is insufficient to rely solely on bilateral mechanisms or external institutions to resolve these incidents. ASEAN must strengthen its existing mechanism, the High Council, to ensure peaceful resolution and equip itself to address external challenges effectively. This was exemplified on May 28, 2025, when a fatal exchange of gunfire took place between Thai and Cambodian border guards. The dispute concerns the Angkor-era Preah Vihear temple complex and dates back to colonial-era mapping efforts. Despite the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) 1962 ruling that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, demarcations of the northern border were not established, and conflict over the area previously flared up in 2008 and 2011. In response to the latest incident, Thailand instituted border restrictions, electricity flows have been halted in areas, Cambodian imports of fruits and vegetables have been blocked and Cambodia has banned Thai movies and TV shows. Attempts to resolve the dispute bilaterally, such as through the Joint Border Commission, have so far failed. Cambodia's decision to bring the dispute before the ICJ for adjudication was rebuked by Thailand, which insists the issue should be resolved bilaterally. This incident is one of many that threaten to resurface and stir instability among ASEAN nations. Notably, the South China Sea also remains a contested area for several Southeast Asian countries. Although China's gray zone activities have made it the center of attention, territorial disputes between ASEAN nations persist. One area of particular contention is the Spratly Islands, which are claimed to varying degrees by Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. In November 2024, Malaysia lodged a complaint with Vietnam over its expansion of artificial islands. Further, despite agreeing to cooperate on South China Sea issues, Hanoi sent a letter to Manila in May 2025 disputing its actions at Sandy Cay. These incidents come in stark contrast to the lofty goals set forth by ACV 2045, which was adopted during the 46th ASEAN Summit and succeeded the 2015 ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together plan. The ACV 2045 is a blueprint for the prosperity of ASEAN, encompassing four pillars: political security, economics, socio-culture, and connectivity and institutional capacity building. The document builds on past priorities while putting forth a new emphasis on regional leadership in global affairs and a focus on digital and green economies. Taken together, these initiatives would help achieve ASEAN's stated goal of becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world and enhance its ability to influence regional dynamics. Despite these ambitions, further integration of Southeast Asia to achieve these goals will be impossible if territorial issues continue to plague ASEAN centrality. Notably, this desire to increase the bloc's ability to resolve territorial disputes is already a key priority to some in ASEAN. For example, during the May 2025 ASEAN Maritime Security Dialogue, Malaysia's Deputy Director-General of National Security Hamzah bin Ishak suggested a five-year timeline for resolving disputes. Although the idea was deemed overly ambitious by other attendees, their willingness to engage in the discussion shows that regional actors understand the essential nature of resolving these disputes. However, ASEAN already has a mechanism to do so through the ASEAN High Council. Yet, in practice, the High Council has never been used to resolve any disputes. Instead, countries have either attempted to utilize established bilateral mechanisms or external institutions, namely the ICJ, to resolve these issues. The recent flare-up between Cambodia and Thailand illustrates that these efforts are insufficient. Not only does this problem erode ASEAN centrality as outside players intervene to resolve issues in Southeast Asia, but the lack of universal recognition among regional states, combined with the absence of a binding mechanism, means many of these issues remain unresolved. ASEAN should work to better operationalize the High Council. First, the council must resolve the lengthy timeline required to bring the case to a conclusion. These regional disputes often deteriorate rapidly and the risk of escalation is high. As such, the requirement for a party to give at least 14 days of written notice before invoking the dispute settlement process is too long. Furthermore, the chairperson is only required to convene a meeting within six weeks of receiving written confirmations. This timeline is excessive and countries will not sit idly by while the council takes weeks to convene. A more streamlined timeline must be implemented to ensure that states with grievances can meet and resolve disputes before escalation occurs. The High Council should also seek to strengthen its mandate and the expertise of its members. The ad hoc selection of representatives for the council is inadequate both in meeting the urgency required to resolve disputes promptly and in providing the necessary expertise for practical solutions. ASEAN has already acknowledged in one instance that to address an issue seriously, permanent officials or envoys are needed; hence, the establishment of a permanent Myanmar envoy. The resolution of territorial disputes should be approached with the same mindset. The creation of a permanent mediation panel composed of legal experts, regional historians and international scholars would better equip it to handle disputes in a timely and efficient manner. Moreover, the chairperson could be rotated every three years, just like the Myanmar envoy. With the advent of AVC 2045 and the resurgence of Cambodia-Thailand border tensions, the time is now to reinvigorate the High Council, enabling ASEAN to regain its ability to resolve its own regional disputes. Failure to act now will prevent ASEAN from effectively addressing its most pressing issues, such as US-China geopolitical competition and maximizing the economic capabilities of its member countries. The bloc holds the procedural solution within its grasp; it now must build confidence in the High Council by committing to refining and empowering it. Nathaniel Schochet is an associate analyst at CJPA Global Advisors. He previously worked as a program administrator for the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and is a part of the Pacific Forum's Young Leaders Program.
Malaysia Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
ASEAN leaders adopt Kuala Lumpur Declaration to guide next 20 years
The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045 is unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 26, 2025. /VCG The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, a key document guiding the next 20 years of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, was unveiled on Monday following its endorsement by ASEAN leaders gathered at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. In his remarks following the signing ceremony of the declaration, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the document would pave the way for the grouping's future direction, taking into account emerging challenges while putting sustainable and inclusive development at the forefront. "The future we seek must rest on foundations of sustainability and inclusion. ASEAN's integration must be genuinely people-centered. That means closing development gaps, raising standards of living and investing in the human spirit and potential of all our citizens," he said. "This shared blueprint gives shape to that belief. It is a vision anchored in realism, animated by resolve and made possible by trust," he added. Among the key decisions made under the declaration is the formal adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045 and its accompanying strategic plans across four pillars: political-security, economic, socio-cultural and connectivity. Meanwhile, the grouping's Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn told a press briefing ahead of the summit that the ACV 2045 is meant to serve as a pragmatic 20-year strategic roadmap to guide the region's development amid global uncertainties. "These four strategic plans are designed to guide ASEAN on how to prioritize its work while upholding unity, solidarity and ASEAN centrality," he said, adding that the roadmap also recognizes the need to work closely with external partners, including dialogue, sectoral and global partners. "This document is forward-looking and strategic, acknowledging the shifts in geopolitics, digitalization, demographic change, climate risks and other pressing issues. It provides clarity on how ASEAN should navigate its future," he emphasized. Earlier, Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that ASEAN aspires to be a prosperous single market with a highly skilled and inclusive workforce, productivity and innovation-driven growth, while incorporating sustainability across and along the value chain through the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The ACV 2045 also promotes the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions to reduce the region's vulnerability to external volatility, enhancing disaster risk financing, and mitigating the risks or impact arising from climate change and environmental degradation, it said. "Through the new updated vision, ASEAN is expected to be a major player in the global economy and the fourth largest economy in the world, anchored on sustainable growth and good governance, empowered by advanced technologies and responsive to emerging opportunities," it added. Malaysia is the chair of ASEAN for 2025 and is hosting the ASEAN Summit and related summits under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability." Established in 1967, the grouping includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Source: CGTN
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ACV 2045 holds potential to boost respect for ASEAN as a strong bloc
KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit on Monday through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, has the potential to make the bloc -- with its nearly 700 million population -- more respected, especially by organisations in the West. Geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research (NASR) Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said that ACV 2045 is based on two key concepts -- neutrality and centrality -- which will strengthen ASEAN as it advances to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. 'ASEAN is becoming more central, involved in international affairs, while remaining neutral -- not partial toward the United States (US), China, or Russia -- even as the major powers vie to have a greater influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. 'Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, wants to ensure that the people of ASEAN feel proud to be part of the bloc, just like how people in the European Union (EU) feel. I believe ACV 2045 can be achieved within the next 20 years,' he told Bernama when contacted. Azmi, who is also a National Council of Professors (MPN) fellow, said ACV 2045 -- a continuation of ACV 2025 that was launched when Malaysia last chaired ASEAN a decade ago -- could resolve not only internal issues such as the Myanmar conflict and the South China Sea dispute, but be used as a guide in dealing with international issues such as the India-Pakistan conflict, Gaza crisis, and the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, MPN chairman Distinguished Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin opined that ACV 2045 is 'more optimistic' despite the presence of longstanding challenges from within and outside the ASEAN region. He said that internally, ASEAN faces the challenge of finding a harmonious solution for what seems like a never-ending problem, namely the Myanmar issue. 'The external challenge is economic in nature, vis-a-vis the threat of the United States (US) tariffs, which ASEAN can confront together by finding economic partners besides the US from all parts of the world. 'Socio-culturally, ASEAN countries have to build a resilient cooperative network, people-to-people, people-centred community, and encourage intra-ASEAN travels and visits,' he said. Commenting on the challenges expected in realising ACV 2045, Dr Nor Aishah Hanifa, an expert in international relations, defense, and security, said that globalisation, changes in the international system, and uncertainty require innovative responses to safeguard the security of ASEAN and its peoples. 'Various challenges are being faced, such as peace and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region due to power struggles, global digitalisation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, trade protectionism and sanctions, food, energy and water security, poverty, natural disasters, climate change, and the pandemic. 'This declaration clearly outlines ASEAN's direction and reflects the grouping's maturity in facing global challenges and uncertainties. External relations are also conducted with diplomacy. ASEAN is increasingly seen as vital for the maintenance of security in the region,' she said. Nor Aishah said that under Malaysia's chairmanship and with the key role played by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN is poised to gain more respect as a strong regional bloc. 'ASEAN's voice is recognised globally, with the (recent) visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping demonstrating ASEAN's success in bringing major powers and other countries together regardless of ideology for the sake of shared stability and progress,' she added. Meanwhile, Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) director Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh said that the main challenge is to explain the essence of the new vision to the ASEAN community. 'First, you have to explain to the people, because it is people-centred -- need to explain how they're going to benefit and how to implement. That's the most important,' he said. The ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future is a compendium of six core documents, include the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, ACV 2045, and strategic plans for each ASEAN pillar -- political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity. This new vision for ASEAN sets out 33 strategic goals with 531 concrete measures.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN 2045 Vision: Stronger bloc, global respect
KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit on Monday through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, has the potential to make the bloc -- with its nearly 700 million population -- more respected, especially by organisations in the West. Geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research (NASR) Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said that ACV 2045 is based on two key concepts -- neutrality and centrality -- which will strengthen ASEAN as it advances to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. 'ASEAN is becoming more central, involved in international affairs, while remaining neutral -- not partial toward the United States (US), China, or Russia -- even as the major powers vie to have a greater influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. 'Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, wants to ensure that the people of ASEAN feel proud to be part of the bloc, just like how people in the European Union (EU) feel. I believe ACV 2045 can be achieved within the next 20 years,' he told Bernama when contacted. Azmi, who is also a National Council of Professors (MPN) fellow, said ACV 2045 -- a continuation of ACV 2025 that was launched when Malaysia last chaired ASEAN a decade ago -- could resolve not only internal issues such as the Myanmar conflict and the South China Sea dispute, but be used as a guide in dealing with international issues such as the India-Pakistan conflict, Gaza crisis, and the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, MPN chairman Distinguished Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin opined that ACV 2045 is 'more optimistic' despite the presence of longstanding challenges from within and outside the ASEAN region. He said that internally, ASEAN faces the challenge of finding a harmonious solution for what seems like a never-ending problem, namely the Myanmar issue. 'The external challenge is economic in nature, vis-a-vis the threat of the United States (US) tariffs, which ASEAN can confront together by finding economic partners besides the US from all parts of the world. 'Socio-culturally, ASEAN countries have to build a resilient cooperative network, people-to-people, people-centred community, and encourage intra-ASEAN travels and visits,' he said. Commenting on the challenges expected in realising ACV 2045, Dr Nor Aishah Hanifa, an expert in international relations, defense, and security, said that globalisation, changes in the international system, and uncertainty require innovative responses to safeguard the security of ASEAN and its peoples. 'Various challenges are being faced, such as peace and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region due to power struggles, global digitalisation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, trade protectionism and sanctions, food, energy and water security, poverty, natural disasters, climate change, and the pandemic. 'This declaration clearly outlines ASEAN's direction and reflects the grouping's maturity in facing global challenges and uncertainties. External relations are also conducted with diplomacy. ASEAN is increasingly seen as vital for the maintenance of security in the region,' she said. Nor Aishah said that under Malaysia's chairmanship and with the key role played by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN is poised to gain more respect as a strong regional bloc. 'ASEAN's voice is recognised globally, with the (recent) visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping demonstrating ASEAN's success in bringing major powers and other countries together regardless of ideology for the sake of shared stability and progress,' she added. Meanwhile, Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) director Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh said that the main challenge is to explain the essence of the new vision to the ASEAN community. 'First, you have to explain to the people, because it is people-centred -- need to explain how they're going to benefit and how to implement. That's the most important,' he said. The ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future is a compendium of six core documents, include the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, ACV 2045, and strategic plans for each ASEAN pillar -- political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity. This new vision for ASEAN sets out 33 strategic goals with 531 concrete measures.
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ACV 2045 Holds Potential To Boost Respect For ASEAN As A Strong Bloc
By Vikneswaran Raman KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit on Monday through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, has the potential to make the bloc -- with its nearly 700 million population -- more respected, especially by organisations in the West. Geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research (NASR) Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said that ACV 2045 is based on two key concepts -- neutrality and centrality -- which will strengthen ASEAN as it advances to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. 'ASEAN is becoming more central, involved in international affairs, while remaining neutral -- not partial toward the United States (US), China, or Russia -- even as the major powers vie to have a greater influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. 'Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, wants to ensure that the people of ASEAN feel proud to be part of the bloc, just like how people in the European Union (EU) feel. I believe ACV 2045 can be achieved within the next 20 years,' he told Bernama when contacted. Azmi, who is also a National Council of Professors (MPN) fellow, said ACV 2045 -- a continuation of ACV 2025 that was launched when Malaysia last chaired ASEAN a decade ago -- could resolve not only internal issues such as the Myanmar conflict and the South China Sea dispute, but be used as a guide in dealing with international issues such as the India-Pakistan conflict, Gaza crisis, and the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, MPN chairman Distinguished Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin opined that ACV 2045 is 'more optimistic' despite the presence of longstanding challenges from within and outside the ASEAN region. He said that internally, ASEAN faces the challenge of finding a harmonious solution for what seems like a never-ending problem, namely the Myanmar issue. 'The external challenge is economic in nature, vis-a-vis the threat of the United States (US) tariffs, which ASEAN can confront together by finding economic partners besides the US from all parts of the world.
