Latest news with #SEANWFZCommission
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
SEANWFZ's real challenge is to stop the Doomsday Clock
The Doomsday Clock was moved forward by one second to 89 seconds before midnight last January, signalling that the world is getting closer to an unprecedented catastrophe. The clock, which considers various existential threats, especially nuclear war, was last moved in January 2023, when the time was set at 90 seconds to midnight. Although largely symbolic, the Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Science and Security Board (SASB), has since its creation in 1947, served as a credible reminder of the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction. The SASB justified the one-second adjustment to the clock by highlighting the growing threat of nuclear conflict due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the never-ending conflict in the Middle East and inadequate contacts among nuclear powers and the collapse of the nuclear arms control process. As the Doomsday Clock moves closer to midnight, Asean must intensify its efforts to convince nuclear powers to acknowledge the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ). As pointed out by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan in his opening remarks before the meeting of the SEANWFZ Commission on July 8, "it is deeply concerning" that SEANWFZ is the only nuclear weapon-free zone that has not been formally recognised by the nuclear powers. However, the efforts to win the recognition of nuclear powers must go beyond symbolic gestures. Concrete and practical steps are necessary to ensure the SEANWFZ Treaty can be a meaningful tool to ensure regional peace and stability. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono's call for Asean to focus on concluding a clear memorandum and timeline with China offers a practical path to building the pressure needed for broader recognition of the treaty. China has stated its readiness to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol. Besides China, another Nuclear Weapon State (NWS) under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Russia, has reportedly expressed its intent to join the treaty, while the United States is in the process of assessing its potential participation. Given the devastating reach of nuclear weapons, expanding the geographic coverage of the SEANWFZ may be a strategic way to transform it into a more meaningful force for peace and stability. It is not a straightforward process, but this will be partly achieved later this year. With Timor-Leste's accession to Asean, the geographical coverage of the treaty will be expanded. This is a strategic gain for Asean. Extending the treaty into the Timor Sea brings the SEANWFZ nearer to a region shaped by the strategic interests of two NWS, the United States and the United Kingdom. Beyond Southeast Asia, the treaty's objective can also be achieved by collaborating with other similar nuclear-free zones, as suggested by Mohamad in his remarks after the SEANWFZ Commission meeting. When weapons of mass destruction were last used, Southeast Asia was a direct beneficiary. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki led to Japan's surrender, bringing peace and stability back to Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. The potential use of weapons of mass destruction today may be governed by a more robust military doctrine and safeguards compared to August 1945, but modern nuclear weapons could potentially be more devastating than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Having once benefited from the use of weapons of mass destruction, Malaysia, as Asean Chair, now bears the moral responsibility together with other member states to maintain a nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia and to convince nuclear powers that the horrors of August 1945 remain in the past. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the SEANWFZ. It is not just the foundation of Asean's security architecture but an important manifestation of Asean unity.] It is one of the organisation's success stories, but a glorious past is meaningless if it cannot stop a global catastrophe. To remain relevant, the SEANWFZ needs to be accepted by the five NWS. In the long term, the treaty will only be judged by its ability to stop the Doomsday Clock from moving closer to midnight.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Treaty expands as Timor-Leste joins Asean
KUALA LUMPUR: The geographical scope of a nuclear-free South-East Asia region will soon be expanded with Timor-Leste's accession to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. This comes as the country is set to be a full member come the 47th Asean Summit in October. Mohamad said the Treaty is a cornerstone of Asean's security architecture and a key instrument in the region's role in global disarmament efforts amid a more complex security landscape. 'Timor-Leste's accession will further expand the geographical scope of the Treaty and compliment broader regional security architecture in shaping strategic norms and expectations in our part of the world,' he said in his opening remarks at the SEANWFZ Commission meeting. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously said that Timor-Leste will be granted full Asean membership at the next Asean Summit in October, during Malaysia's tenure as the regional grouping's Chair. During the exit press conference after the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits in May, Anwar said Asean leaders had agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the association. Separately, Mohamad said Asean can take pride in being free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. He said Asean has made significant strides in advancing the reuses of nuclear technology, particularly in ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in the fields of agriculture, medical diagnostics, food technologies, among others. 'This further reaffirms Asean's commitment to harnessing the peaceful civilian application of nuclear science in accordance with the objectives of the SEANWFZ Treaty,' he said. Speaking to reporters later, Mohamad said China had agreed to sign the Treaty without any reservations, adding that there are two or three more countries that intend to continue previously postponed discussions on the SEANWFZ Treaty. 'This is a positive development,' he said. Mohamad also expressed hope for the SEANWFZ Treaty bloc to have relations with other nuclear-free zones globally. 'This way, we can collectively discuss ways to ensure the world is free from nuclear threats,' he added. SEANWFZ, also known as the Bangkok Treaty, was signed in December 1995 in Bangkok by 10 Asean member countries. It came into effect in March 1997.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘A nuke-free South-East Asia more crucial than ever'
KUALA LUMPUR: While the Cold War might have ended decades ago, the threat of nuclear weapons is even greater at present, which is why Asean should remain united in its pursuit for a nuclear-free South-East Asia, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Minister said Asean must ensure that the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) treaty is a dynamic commitment that contributes to regional and global disarmament efforts. 'To compound our worries, current nuclear disarmament methods appear to be struggling to fulfil their purpose. 'Protracted warfare has heightened fears of nuclear escalation with rhetoric from nuclear states, threatening to undermine decades of nuclear disarmament efforts. 'Which is why the Treaty must not just be a legal instrument but a living and dynamic commitment that contributes meaningfully to regional and global disarmament,' he said in his opening remarks at the executive committee of the SEANWFZ Commission meeting. The Foreign Minister said the world is now confronted with new dimensions of nuclear war, involving advancements in artificial intelligence, cyberwarfare and quantum computing. This, he said, brought new layers of complexities to the table and raises the potential for escalation, which can be among the most dangerous hallmarks of the world that we live in. The Foreign Minister then pointed to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, citing Israel's unprovoked attack with Iran last month. 'The International Atomic Energy Agency made two things clear: that there is no evidence of Iran having a nuclear programme and that nuclear facilities must never be attacked regardless of the circumstances, as it could harm both the people and the environment,' Mohamad pointed out. He also said that it is 'deeply concerning' how South-East Asia remains the only nuclear weapon-free zone that is not yet formally recognised by Nuclear Weapon States through the signing and ratification of the SEANWFZ Treaty protocol.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN reviews major powers' role in SEANWFZ nuclear-free treaty
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN is currently reviewing the technical aspects of major powers joining the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, including potential reservations on their commitments. Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin stated this reflects ASEAN's dedication to strengthening global nuclear non-proliferation efforts. The SEANWFZ Commission is leading discussions at senior official levels to assess how major powers can participate while adhering to the treaty's principles. 'The main issue is whether these nations can place reservations on their commitments,' Amran said during a media briefing for the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM). ASEAN remains a key diplomatic platform to encourage major powers toward safer nuclear weapons control. 'It provides space for global powers to join the SEANWFZ Protocol,' Amran added. Progress is being made, though decisions may take time. China and Russia have reportedly agreed to sign the protocol, while the US is still reviewing its stance. The SEANWFZ Treaty, signed in 1995, aims to establish Southeast Asia as a nuclear-free zone, with nuclear-armed states pledging no use or threat of nuclear weapons within the region. Malaysia, hosting the AMM from July 8-11, continues its ASEAN Chair role under the theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability. This marks Malaysia's fifth chairmanship since 1977. - Bernama
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean to Review SEANWFZ progress, Myanmar developments at AMM
KUALA LUMPUR: Discussions on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), including the potential participation of nuclear-weapon states, are showing signs of progress, said Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin. Speaking at a curtain-raiser press conference ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings this week, Amran said the SEANWFZ Commission is currently reviewing discussions held at the Executive Committee and senior officials' levels. "The issue of participation by nuclear-weapon states continues to receive attention. "The core matter is whether these nuclear-weapon states are willing to join the SEANWFZ Protocol, with or without making reservations," he said. Amran added that Asean is also taking into account the practices of other nuclear-weapon-free zones in its deliberations. "Asean remains committed to encouraging nuclear-weapon states to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol and support global nuclear non-proliferation efforts," he said. He reaffirmed Southeast Asia's status as a nuclear-weapon-free zone and, while acknowledging the protracted discussions, said Asean remains optimistic. "Talks are ongoing, and important decisions have previously been made on whether nuclear-weapon states can participate with or without reservations. We believe there is progress, even though the matter has taken a long time," he said. The SEANWFZ Treaty, signed in 1995 in Bangkok, commits Asean member states not to develop, manufacture, acquire, possess, or control nuclear weapons. However, the Protocol remains unsigned by the five recognised nuclear-weapon states: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. On Thursday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the SEANWFZ, while the United States is currently reviewing the treaty before signing. He said the involvement of superpowers in the treaty would help preserve South-East Asia as a region of peace, free of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, on the AMM, he said, the issue surrounding Myanmar will continue to be an issue of importance in the meeting. "Discussions on this issue have taken place since the 46th ASEAN Summit. "Although the time since then has been relatively short, this remains an important issue for Asean as a whole, including Myanmar. "We will take stock of what has happened since the Summit, during which significant decisions were made particularly regarding the expansion and extension of the ceasefire. "There will be updates on developments in Myanmar, and foreign ministers will certainly discuss the issue," he said. The 58th AMM and related meetings, to be held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability, will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. In conjunction with the meetings, Malaysia will also host the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV). Co-chaired with Japan and Palestine, the conference will discuss initiatives to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza and Palestine. The high-level meetings, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, will gather about 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participating countries, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat.
