The Association of Southeast Asian Nations appears to be in deep trouble.
The crack in the solidarity of ASEAN members was made more manifest when Cambodia, one of the six founding members of the Southeast Asian Games in 1959, pulled its already lean delegation of athletes and team officials out of the biennial games in Thailand shortly after the Dec. 9 opening.
Cambodia hosted the last edition of the games – in 2023.
Originally, the country planned to send a contingent of more than 300 to see action in 21 sports but reduced it to less than 60 members to participate in just seven sports.
On Dec. 10, however, reports indicated that the Cambodian delegation decided to completely withdraw after participating in the opening ceremony and before participating in any event.
For the Cambodian delegation, despite its withdrawal, the country “has already fulfilled its responsibilities as a committed ASEAN member in accordance with its international sports diplomacy practices” as reports indicated.
The reason for the withdrawal: safety concerns raised by the families of athletes.
Shortly before the opening of the games, the country disclosed it would compete only in 12 sports with 137 players but only seven teams arrived in Thailand – jujitsu, taekwondo, table tennis, gymnastics, swimming, jet ski and athletics.
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The pullout was triggered by fresh fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops in the border of the two countries that have caused the displacement of about 700,000 persons on both sides, including about 275,000 Cambodians. The new clashes have also claimed more than 20 lives.
Records show that the current conflict is the continuation of nagging tension along the 800-km.Thai-Cambodian border. The tension dates back to the late 20th century.
Reports further showed that the current hostilities, which started in February this year, escalated in July, before the incidence of the December clashes.
Both countries reportedly agreed to a ceasefire until fighting broke out earlier this month.
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The Thai-Cambodian conflict triggers concern among ASEAN followers, particularly on the regional grouping’s capability to foster regional peace, stability and collaboration in line with its goal of accelerating economic growth, social progress and cultural development.
Various concerns emerged following this fresh conflict.
Just how stable is ASEAN today amid this ongoing tension. Among those that raised such concern is the Center for International Studies of the Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Indonesia.
The center said the escalation of conflict “raises concerns about the SEA region” as it noted the emergence of conflict risks that can trigger the rise of refugee flows, cross border arms trafficking and broader political tension.
Consequently, it is asking how ASEAN can fulfill its role in conflict resolution among member states as it pointed out related concerns in its handling of the crisis in Myanmar and issues involving the interest of member states in the South China Sea issue.
Indeed, can ASEAN handle this critical concern on its own, or does it have to rely on external intervention in handling this critical situation?
As it enters its sixth decade of existence, ASEAN faces a challenge it must face head on to make its rhyme and reason relevant and meaningful as it marches side by side with other leagues of nations.
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We are not alone in coping with the risks brought about by nature gone awry.
Reports earlier this week the occurrence of frequent earthquakes in the Southeast Asian region
– Magnitudes 5.3 and 3.7 in the Myanmar-Thailand border
– Moderate offshore earthquakes (Magnitudes 4.9-5.4 in Sumatra Island in Indonesia)
– Series of tectonic activities and tremors in different parts of Thailand.
In addition, a Magnitude 6.7 earthquake northeast Japan, triggering a widespread tsunami alert.
We just have to be more disaster-ready… and prayerful.
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You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (Matthew 24:6-7) | NWI
