ASEAN foreign ministers meeting: Challenges, Progress and the Path Forward
- Tatoli
- Jun 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Moving ASEAN towards a global platform
At the opening of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, themed “The Question of Developing ASEAN’s Roles in Global Peace Processes”, respective ministers have engaged in discussions focusing on what ASEAN can do to reduce its susceptibility to foreign manipulation in resolving internal conflict, as well as how ASEAN should develop its role as a international body in global conflict resolution and peace processes.
As stated in the ASEAN Declaration, the promotion of regional peace and stability, which is
grounded on a firm commitment to justice, the rule of law in inter-state relations, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, is one of the main aims and purposes of ASEAN. ASEAN has an essential role in advancing human rights, fundamental freedoms, and inclusive political participation as elements in building true, stable, and peaceful societies.
Global Conflicts On The Rise
According to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), the number of active conflicts has doubled in the past five years. In 2024, there was a 25% increase in violent incidents compared to 2023. Global peace has generally deteriorated over the past decade and a half, with the most recent Global Peace Index (GPI) showing a decrease in peacefulness for the 13th time in the last 15 years. Peacefulness has declined in many countries, with 97 experiencing deteriorations and only 65 showing improvements.
More evidently, regions such as the Middle East and North America have emerged as the least peaceful regions. In contrast, ASEAN countries have seen improvements in positive peace, in alignment with the core ASEAN principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of one another, settlement of differences or disputes in a peaceful manner, renunciation of the threat or use of force, and effective cooperation among ASEAN member states. These efforts have contributed effectively to upholding peace between ASEAN states, promoting stability, and fostering greater collaboration.
Foreign Influence In ASEAN Conflict Resolution
ASEAN's founding declaration emphasises non-interference in the internal affairs of member
states, yet the issue of foreign influence in ASEAN’s internal matters continues to be a subject of debate among foreign ministers. Factors such as the economic influence of foreign nations affect how ASEAN member states handle internal conflicts, especially those heavily dependent on a single major power.
“ASEAN member states should prioritise ASEAN agendas over personal agendas with extended powers, while non-ASEAN member states strictly cannot threaten any ASEAN member states in their internal affairs.”
Emphasised by the European Union in its proposed Code of Conduct. ASEAN member states voiced out intentions to increase ASEAN ties through joint exercises, with approaches such as capacity-building initiatives for confidence-building, and decreasing dependence on third-party countries.
Increasing ASEAN’s Relevance And Credibility On A Global Scale
“The actions of ASEAN member states reflect heavily on their credibility, which serves as an
important area of consideration for ASEAN’s greater involvement in global conflict resolution
and peace processes and ASEAN interference. ASEAN should strive to be a peace facilitator. By enhancing its legitimacy and credibility, it can become a leading example in the defence of regional security.”
Russia has brought strong emphasis to how ASEAN countries should aim to work towards
improving their credibility on a global scale, and in achieving so, proposed joint training in
countries, referencing the Trump-Kim Summit 2018, hosted in Singapore.
“Forums can act as a platform for easier sharing of information between countries, in which knowledge can be shared and states can progress together,” Timor-Leste mentioned, encouraging ASEAN nations to continue to work together in achieving global peace resolutions through the combined efforts of all member states.
Moving forward
Timor-Leste has expressed strong support and has continued to advocate for ASEAN’s
participation in global peace resolutions, closely aligning itself with ASEAN’s principles,
actively contributing to making ASEAN a peaceful, safe, neutral, and stable region. ASEAN
member states continue to push for progress in involvement as a third party, increasing
cooperation and strengthening ties between member states. ASEAN members, alongside Timor-Leste, should continue to promote ASEAN-centric principles and abide by them, working together instead of prioritising national interests such as economic gains. Adherence to ASEAN’s non-intervention principle will build a strong foundation to develop trust and cooperation between member states to promote prosperity, stability, and peace. Timor-Leste looks favourably upon ASEAN initiatives to push for its credibility and relevance on the global stage, recognising ASEAN’s efforts to provide trained diplomats with skills to act as a neutral mediator as a third party in global conflicts, continuing to work together to push ASEAN’s agenda of peace.
Written by Tan Chee Han Asher, Li Yunxuan, and Woo Shao Jie
Bibliography
1. Vision of Humanity. “Positive Peace Index | the Most and Least Resilient Countries in the
World,” December 6, 2021.
2. Nus.edu.sg, 2024.
dden-world.
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