ASEAN DEFENCE MINISTERS WARN OF SECURITY THREATS, CALL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION IN VIENTIANE TALKS

PHNOM PENH, Nov 21 (Bernama)  -- Regional defence ministers called for cooperation to counter complex security challenges and traditional and non-traditional threats facing Southeast Asian nations. 

At the just-concluded 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM-18)  held in Vientiane on Wednesday, delegates urged the grouping’s members to maintain unity and ASEAN Centrality, the Vientiane Times reported. 

“We note that regional and global situations are posing complexity and unpredictability, threats and challenges to peace, security, cooperation and socio-economic development in the region and the world as a whole. 

“These include traditional and non-traditional threats and challenges, particularly geo-political shifts, major power rivalry, arms race, and natural disasters,” said Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Chansamone Chanyalath during the meeting, as reported by the Vientiane Times. 

He said the ministers from the 10-member grouping reached a consensus on its intended objectives that will shape the ASEAN Political and Security Community.

The ADMM-18 was held under the theme “ASEAN: Together for Peace, Security and Resilience” under the chairmanship of Laos.

The region is facing multi-faceted challenges from maritime security and climate change effects to rising transborder crimes such as smuggling of narcotics to cyber crimes ranging from scams to online gambling. 

Issues like the South China Sea territorial claims among four main claimants (Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam) and the ongoing bloody conflict in Myanmar that could spark tensions are worrying regional policymakers.

“Against this backdrop, we need to continue discussing and navigating ways to ensure that our region is resilient and responsive to emerging threats and challenges,” said Chanyalath, according to the newspaper.

-- BERNAMA