Gilang Kembara, a Researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta told Bernama, hence, its implications is not limited to this region or South China Sea only. “We (ASEAN) certainly do not invite conflict, and we don’t see the necessity or benefit from such conflict,” said Gilang. With the latest participation of the UK as ASEAN’s new dialogue partner, such mechanisms can be used to help ease tensions. The UK became ASEAN’s 11th dialogue partner on Aug 4 this year, ending the association’s 25-year moratorium on new dialogue partners. When asked about the possibility of ASEAN playing the role of mediator in solving the AUKUS alliance issue, Gilang said this would be best determined through the ASEAN chairmanship.

Source: The Edge Markets October 03, 2021 01:52 UTC