India Urges ASEAN to Maintain Central Role Among Major Nations
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN member states attended a retreat on global and regional issues on September 5, as part of the ongoing 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. During the event, PM Chinh emphasized the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s central role amid intense competition among major nations. He highlighted the need for internal unity, independence, self-reliance, and respect for the rule of law within ASEAN. ASEAN must maintain a strategic balance with major countries and become a reliable bridge to regulate and balance relationships and interests. The bloc should also uphold its principled stance on issues related to regional security and development. PM Chinh stressed the need for unity in ASEAN’s common stance on the East Sea (South China Sea) and urged partners to respect this stance. He emphasized the importance of self-restraint, peaceful dispute settlement, respect for international law, and the UNCLOS. Regarding the situation in Myan...