The ASEAN should be able to choose priority issues and concentrate on the issues, including how to operate the regional grouping under the latest circumstances and co-existence in the global order.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Senior researcher of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jusuf Wanandi expressed firm belief that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would prioritize addressing regional instability arising from the China-US dispute sentiment.

Currently, the ASEAN has discussed so many issues in varied fields that it seemed to be unable to take a firm stand against crucial and key issues, such as the standoff in the relations between the world's two largest economies, he stated at a seminar titled "Indonesia in ASEAN” held in Jakarta on Wednesday.

"The ASEAN should be able to choose priority issues and concentrate on them, including how to strengthen the regional grouping in the face of the latest circumstances and co-exist in the global order," he pointed out.

Furthermore, critical leaders serve as other crucial points for the ASEAN to take a collective stand in the midst of tense relations between China and the United States, he stated.

Wanandi affirmed that the tense relations between China and the United States constitute natural dynamics in global relations, but they hold significance for the ASEAN over concerns that they will struggle for supremacy in the region unless member states adopt common measures.

Moreover, the tension transcends trade dispute and is also related to political issues, he stated.

"Looking ahead, the ASEAN will increasingly become difficult but also important," he added.

Translator: Suwanti/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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