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Time for ASEAN to stand up

We have read recently about the clashes between China and Vietnam, the disputes in the South China Sea and the water issues of the Mekong River. These events involve one member or more of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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Peter Loon Seng Chee

We have read recently about the clashes between China and Vietnam, the disputes in the South China Sea and the water issues of the Mekong River. These events involve one member or more of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN).

As these disputes become more frequent and volatile, we may conceivably see some form of armed conflict and fatalities. This concerns not only the parties involved, but also Asia and, in particular, ASEAN at large.

Given the threat posed to our security and economies, it is now timely for ASEAN to stand up and be counted, to show its relevance in Asia or risk being seen as a paper organisation.

A single chopstick breaks easily, whereas a bunch of them is hard to snap. We should collectively approach the various parties and demonstrate that we can be an effective organisation for multilateral talks to resolve such disputes.

ASEAN should strive to do more than merely organise the SEA Games and annual dinner meetings.

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