Old Disputes, New Dynamics: ASEAN Faces Test of Relevance Amid Shifting Geopolitics

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Oct.23, 2025) — The 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, set for Oct. 26–28 in Malaysia under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” will convene against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and persistent regional tensions.

Hosted under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, the summit is expected to bring together ASEAN heads of government, dialogue partners, and guest nations for one of the bloc’s most consequential gatherings this year.

“The summit will bring together ASEAN heads of government, leaders from dialogue partner countries and invited guest nations,” Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said. “I hope all proceedings will run smoothly, supported by the infrastructure and arrangements we have put in place.”

This year’s agenda is expected to be dominated by the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, unresolved territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and renewed tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border — all of which observers say will test ASEAN’s ability to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

Experts: ASEAN’s strength lies in dialogue, not enforcement

Vannarith Chheang, chairman of the Angkor Social Innovation Park, said ASEAN must reinforce its crisis response capacity through dialogue, confidence-building, and preventive diplomacy.

“I hope the upcoming ASEAN Summits will help stabilize the region and build consensus to address emerging regional and global challenges based on international law and a people-centered approach,” he said.

He emphasized that ASEAN’s unity and centrality are critical in navigating the region’s complex risks.

Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said many of ASEAN’s challenges are long-standing and require patience and solidarity.

“Myanmar’s crisis cannot be solved overnight,” Phea said. “ASEAN can only encourage and facilitate dialogue among parties in Myanmar to pursue peaceful negotiation, similar to Cambodia’s own win-win approach.”

On the South China Sea, he noted ASEAN remains divided. “There has never been a single, unified position to resolve this issue completely,” he said. “It takes time and compromise among all claimants.”

Regarding the Cambodia–Thailand border tensions, Phea described the situation as “complicated and sensitive,” citing Thailand’s lack of political will to fully implement past agreements. Still, he said ASEAN summits remain vital platforms for dialogue.

“Even if it doesn’t always produce binding results, it brings nations and global powers to the same table to exchange views,” he said.

Cambodia–Thailand peace accord expected on sidelines

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to lead a high-level delegation to the summit, where a peace accord with Thailand is expected to be signed on the sidelines, according to Malaysian officials. The agreement aims to resolve recent border tensions and will reportedly be witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The invitation to attend was extended by Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet will be joined by First Lady Pich Chanmony, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, senior officials, and business leaders from the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the Cambodian Oknha Association.

The summit will also focus on advancing the ASEAN 2045 vision, reinforcing ASEAN centrality, expanding cooperation with external partners, and addressing regional and global challenges through a more inclusive and sustainable lens.