‘Big storm’ coming, ASEAN must strengthen cohesion and unity - Kishore Mahbubani

Kuala Lumpur: As tensions between the United States and China continue to rise, prominent Singaporean diplomat and academic Kishore Mahbubani has urged ASEAN members and leaders to strengthen their unity to navigate the challenging geopolitical landscape ahead.

In an interview with Astro AWANI, Mahbubani emphasised that ASEAN’s cohesion is its greatest asset in facing the brewing “big storm” of US-China superpower rivalry.

“The most important thing for ASEAN to do is for all the member states to recognize that ASEAN is a very precious asset,” Mahbubani said.

He warned that the geopolitical contestation between the US and China poses a significant threat to the region, urging ASEAN countries to come together and present a united front.

“The best way that we, the ASEAN states, can protect ourselves from this geopolitical contestation is for us to come together and be united in dealing with this contest,” he added.

Mahbubani stressed the importance of maintaining neutrality, advocating that ASEAN should position itself as a friend to both the United States and China without taking sides.

“We must make it clear that we want to be friends of the United States, and we want to be friends of China, and we will not take sides,” he asserted, highlighting the bloc’s role as a stabilising force in the region.

Looking ahead, Mahbubani also touched on Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, expressing optimism about the country’s ability to guide the region through these turbulent times.

He praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a “seasoned, globally recognized leader” who understands the complexities and dangers of the current geopolitical environment.

He expressed confidence that under Malaysia’s leadership, ASEAN can remain strong and united.

“I think he (Anwar) can work very hard to, on the one hand, make sure that ASEAN remains strong and united, and on the other hand, to make it very clear to ASEAN dialogue partners that they should not involve us in their contestation, as it would be harmful and disruptive to the people of ASEAN,” he said.

Mahbubani’s views on unity and strategic neutrality serve as a reminder of the importance of ASEAN’s collective strength in maintaining regional stability and prosperity.

As Malaysia prepares to take the helm of ASEAN in 2025, all eyes will be on the region’s ability to navigate the “big storm” ahead, with hopes that it can continue to serve as a beacon of peace and cooperation in Southeast Asia.