ASEAN must reinvent itself to stay relevant in region

Context:

There is a persistent challenge for ASEAN countries related to symbolic diplomacy, humanitarian aid delays, geopolitical constraints, and South China Sea dispute.

ASEAN's Symbolic Diplomacy

Limited Leverage of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC): ASEAN's 'Epicentrum of Growth' theme highlights economic potential, but TAC enforcement lacks substance.
Ukraine's TAC Accession and Symbolism: Ukraine's TAC entry, while symbolic, lacks real leverage in addressing violations or geopolitical matters.
ASEAN's Human Rights Commitment and Myanmar Crisis: ASEAN's commitment to human rights contrasts with Myanmar's ongoing violence; internal ASEAN divisions impede resolution efforts.

Political Crisis Management

Limitations of Humanitarian Assistance: ASEAN's delays in delivering aid during Myanmar crisis rendered efforts ineffective during the peak of COVID's second wave.
Inadequacy in Handling Political Crises: ASEAN's coordinating center geared towards natural disasters, not equipped for political crises, hampers timely response.
Diplomatic Limitations and Preventive Diplomacy: ASEAN excels in procedural confidence-building but falls short in areas of preventive diplomacy due to limited clout.

Geopolitical Constraints

Economic Integration and Geopolitical Constraints: Deep economic ties with China limit ASEAN's ability to take an independent stance, particularly in the South China Sea.
Ineffectiveness in Upholding UNCLOS and Arbitration Ruling: ASEAN's endorsement of UNCLOS contrasts with failure to affirm 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on South China Sea.
China's Assertive Posture and ASEAN's Relevance: China's shift to a ten-dash line challenges ASEAN's pursuit of a binding code of conduct, necessitating ASEAN's adaptation.

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