East Asia Summit Emphasizes Dialogue Over Coercion in Global Crises

Global and regional leaders gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the 20th East Asia Summit, where the central call was for intensified diplomatic engagement to de-escalate international crises. Chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the summit reinforced its dedication to a rules-based international order, explicitly choosing cooperation over confrontation.

A Stance on Regional Disputes

Regarding the South China Sea, a region with overlapping claims involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and others, the summit asserted that solutions must be ASEAN-led. Anwar stated that any resolution must be grounded in international law, specifically the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and achieved without "external pressure." This highlights the bloc's intent to manage its own geopolitical challenges.

Addressing Conflicts from Gaza to Myanmar

The situation in Myanmar was a key topic, with calls for an upheld ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid access, and a sustained inclusive dialogue to restore democratic governance. On the conflict in Gaza, the summit welcomed a US-backed peace plan, describing it as a vital step. "We believe that the way out of any crisis is not isolation but engagement, whether in Gaza, Myanmar, Ukraine or North Korea," Anwar remarked, framing diversity as a unifying strength.

Reaffirming the ASEAN-UN Partnership

In a parallel meeting, the 15th ASEAN-UN Summit served to reaffirm the strong partnership between the two organizations. Anwar highlighted shared objectives of peace, prosperity, and sustainability. He also extended thanks to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his "courage and moral clarity" in speaking out against global injustices, including the suffering of civilians in Gaza.