KUALA LUMPUR: Security, the economy and geopolitics will be the order of the day as top diplomats converge in two major regional conferences on the final day of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers (AMM).
The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 32nd Asean Regional Forum (ARF) today will see them deliberating pressing issues affecting not just South-East Asia but the world at large.
Political analyst Azmi Hassan said the EAS and ARF have gained prominence in the AMM due to the presence of diplomats from global powers.
This time, those in attendance include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi.
Both conferences, said Azmi, are critical due to a slew of Asean-related issues, such as the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and disputes in the South China Sea.
“With Rubio and Wang Yi at the meetings, South China Sea is going to be a very important issue at EAS and ARF,” he said.
Beijing has claimed over 80% of the South China Sea as its territory.
There have been several heated confrontations involving Chinese, Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards in the contested waters.
Azmi said that traditionally, the EAS deliberates economic matters while the ARF discusses security matters of the world.
“But, for the last few years, security, geopolitics and the economy were discussed at both meetings due to the number of critical issues.”
Azmi is also anticipating the ongoing Gaza crisis to be discussed at both conferences.
“I’m sure (Foreign Minister) Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will raise this issue,” he said.
Universiti Malaya International and Strategic Studies Department’s assoc prof Khoo Ying Hooi said the US-China rivalry will be present and both meetings will be key stages for both powers to project influence.
“The mood is likely to be tense, especially in how each side frames their position, not through open confrontation, but through carefully worded statements and strategic diplomacy.
“It is less about explosive moments and more about who can win the narrative,” she said.
Khoo said Asean leaders are also expected to bring up regional economic concerns, digital security and climate risks.
She observed a growing discomfort among leaders over how external powers are using regional forums to push their agendas.
“The test is whether Asean can hold the line and stay relevant,” she said.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) senior lecturer Dr Abdolreza Alami said the EAS and ARF, held amid a volatile geopolitical and economic landscape, will test Asean’s unity and centrality.
“Malaysia, as Asean Chair, alongside Indonesia, will play a pivotal role in advocating for Palestinian rights and condemning Israel’s violations of international law.
“They are expected to engage influential countries like China, Russia and India to push for a ceasefire and greater humanitarian aid,” he said.
“While Asean aims to maintain neutrality and promote regional stability, the potential for heated discussions remains high due to superpower rivalries, internal divisions and unresolved crises.”
The EAS will serve as a key platform to navigate geopolitical frictions and economic uncertainty, including Washington’s proposed tariff hike, Abdolreza said.
He said public attention will focus on how Asean balances US-China competition, advances the long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct and responds to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“With (US) President Donald Trump threatening new tariffs on BRICS-aligned countries, Asean leaders are expected to negotiate for fairer terms to safeguard the region’s export-driven economies.”
