BY TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR: The just-concluded 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur showcased both symbolic diplomacy and substantive agreements, from U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise attendance to the signing of a Cambodia–Thailand peace declaration. Malaysia, as Chair, also oversaw the historic admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member, while leaders grappled with unresolved crises such as Myanmar and the South China Sea.
To gain a deeper perspective, TNS NEWS spoke with Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. Dr. Oh, a well-known political analyst, has long provided incisive commentary on Southeast Asia’s geopolitics and Malaysia’s foreign policy positioning.
Symbolism vs Substance
“Well, as with all such summits, it is of course a mixture of both,” Dr. Oh noted. “There are the East Timor admission and Thai–Cambodia peace deal which are perhaps more concrete achievements. But there is also the Trump showmanship, which nevertheless puts Malaysia firmly in American minds.”
On ASEAN Centrality
According to Dr. Oh, ASEAN’s much-touted centrality should be viewed with caution.
“ASEAN centrality is largely a myth. It would be more appropriate to say ASEAN provides the good offices for its members and neighbors, big powers included, to have more opportunities for dialogues and therefore hopefully understanding,” he said.
He added that Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia included, are adept at “deriving as much benefit from the two superpowers as possible,” citing Trump’s attendance and the upgraded ASEAN–China Free Trade Agreement concluded in Kuala Lumpur.
Cambodia–Thailand Peace Deal
On the Cambodia–Thailand declaration witnessed in Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Oh remarked:
“The conflict almost became a notable exception to ASEAN member states’ otherwise harmonious relations, and it was fortunate to have been nipped at the bud and not escalated. As Trump narrated, he worked hard with Anwar to help resolve the conflict.”
Myanmar: At a Dead End
Dr. Oh was blunt on Myanmar:
“Yes, [it’s a] dead end. Nothing short of what America is likely to imminently do against Venezuela — namely benevolent gunboat diplomacy — is likely to resolve the Myanmar crisis.”
EU and ASEAN
When asked about the EU’s role, Dr. Oh stressed that Brussels must first conclude a trade pact with ASEAN before its engagement can be taken seriously.
“First, the EU has to conclude an FTA with ASEAN,” he said.
Malaysia as Chair
On Malaysia’s performance as ASEAN Chair, Dr. Oh offered a realist’s take:
“Well, as with all ASEAN summits, we mostly agree to disagree. No meaningful resolution on either the South China Sea or Myanmar. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has no joint statement.”
Philippines Takes Over
Looking ahead, Dr. Oh cautioned that ASEAN unity could be tested under Manila’s chairmanship.
“The biggest worry is relations with China, as the Philippines don’t see eye to eye on the South China Sea and very vigorously confront one another. Let’s see if that would spill over to China–ASEAN relations,” he warned.
Closing Note
Dr. Oh’s analysis underscores the dual nature of ASEAN Summits: moments of symbolism such as Trump’s attendance and Timor-Leste’s admission, alongside unresolved crises and structural weaknesses.
With the Philippines taking over the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, the bloc faces the challenge of keeping unity intact while navigating increasingly fraught relations with China. –
TNS NEWS
