On July 27, 2024, Wang Yi, Foreign Minister and Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the 57th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Vientiane, Laos. At the meeting, Wang Yi called on ASEAN countries to adhere to the vision of peace and the “ASEAN Way” in maintaining regional peace and stability.[1]
Wang emphasized that international relations are currently in a turbulent and chaotic period, facing protracted regional conflicts, growing geopolitical antagonisms and new security threats such as climate change, terrorism and cyber security. While unilateralism and Cold War mentality are on the rise, military and security mini-alliances are on the rise, Wang said, adding that the ASEAN-led regional forum is the most important platform in the Asia-Pacific and will make important contributions to regional peace and stability.[2]
Wang made four recommendations to tackle current international challenges:[3]
1. Remain True to the Vision of Peace: It is necessary to take into account the interests and aspirations of all parties and ensure common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. The US-led ‘Indo-Pacific strategy’ deepens security dilemmas and runs counter to the region’s long-term vision of peace and prosperity. NATO intervention in the Asia-Pacific will create conflict and increase tensions. All parties should be vigilant and strongly oppose it.
2. Adopt the ASEAN Way: Enhance mutual trust through dialogue and promote security through cooperation. ASEAN’s status as a region of peace, freedom and neutrality should be respected, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and other regional rules should be accepted by all parties, and an ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional structure should be promoted.
3. Solidify the Foundation for Cooperation: China supports adding more vitality to confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy. It proposes to promote security cooperation in areas such as nuclear facilities and cybersecurity, and increase dialogue and exchange on issues such as counterterrorism, counter-radicalization, and combating cross-border crime. Efforts should also be made to expand common security interests as a proactive response to emerging security threats.
4. Commit to Dialogue and Consultation: External intervention cannot solve problems. Conflict and pressure only increase tensions. Dialogue and consultation must continue, no matter how complex the problem. Political solutions must not be abandoned, no matter how violent the conflict. A ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and humanitarian assistance should be priorities for the conflict in Gaza. The principle of ‘Palestinian rule of Palestine’ is the fundamental principle of post-war reconstruction and the ‘two-state solution’ is the main way out. As for the crisis in Ukraine, efforts should be made to create conditions for peace talks and to de-escalate the situation by respecting the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of the conflict and no fueling of the fire by any side.
In his speech at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Japanese Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law as the world faces various crises. This emphasis demonstrates Japan’s commitment to safeguarding the stability and security of the international order.
Japan’s main concerns are North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities and the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Japan has called on North Korea to take concrete steps for the irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles and encouraged North Korea to resume active dialogue. This reflects Japan’s commitment to ensuring regional security and stability. Other participating Members also expressed concern over North Korea’s aggressive behavior and stressed the importance of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Another important issue at the forefront of ASEAN is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is a clear violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter. Russia’s nuclear threats and potential use of nuclear weapons have become a major topic of discussion in terms of regional and global security. This requires the international community to act in unity against Russia and take steps to ensure peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter.
The situation in Gaza was also an important item on the agenda of the meeting. Gaza is at a critical crossroads towards the release of hostages and the conclusion of ceasefire negotiations and requires humanitarian assistance as well as support from the international community to the reconstruction and peace-building process. Other participating Members called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and requested the cooperation of the international community.
As the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack during the war, Japan is committed to leading international efforts for a world free of nuclear weapons. In line with the 2022 Hiroshima Action Plan at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, Japan will advance realistic and practical efforts. This determination reflects Japan’s long-term vision of ensuring peace and security.[4]
As a result, the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum and 57th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane on July 27, 2024 marked an important milestone in regional and global security issues. At the meeting, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability and made four key recommendations. These include adhering to the vision of peace, embracing the ASEAN Way, strengthening cooperation, and adhering to dialogue and consultation. Wang Yi’s proposals underline the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity in the face of uncertainties in international relations and new security threats.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law. Japan’s concerns about North Korea and Russia reflect its commitment to regional security and stability. Moreover, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calls for a ceasefire is another important agenda item that requires the cooperation and support of the international community.
The meetings played a critical role in strengthening multilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and adopting a collective approach to regional challenges. China’s and Japan’s positions on this issue will be an important factor in shaping the dynamics of international relations. Continued cooperation and dialogue for an effective response to regional and global security threats is considered as a guarantee of international peace and stability.
[1] “Wang Yi Attends the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting”, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa, http://za.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zgyw/202407/t20240729_11462527.htm, (Date of Access: 30.07.2024).
[2] “Chinese FM calls for ASEAN’s commitment to vision of peace, ASEAN Way for regional peace, stability”, People’s Daily Online, http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/0729/c90000-20199298.html, (Date of Access: 30.07.2024).
[3] “Wang Yi Attends the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting”, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa, http://za.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zgyw/202407/t20240729_11462527.htm, (Date of Access: 30.07.2024).
[4] “The 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/rp/pageite_000001_00513.html, (Date of Access: 30.07.2024).
