Mixed stances on the Russian invasion of Ukraine from ASEAN member states
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution on 2 March 2022 calling on Russia to withdraw its military from Ukraine unconditionally, immediately, and completely. The resolution received 141 votes in favor, 35 abstentions, and five votes against. Only two ASEAN member states – Vietnam and Laos – abstained from the UN resolution while the other eight voted in favor.
Each ASEAN leader expressed their views on the Russian invasion of Ukraine differently.
Brunei and the Philippines stressed their concern over the tensions in Ukraine, condemned Russia for its violation of Ukraine’s internationally recognized sovereignty, and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions.
The Philippines also called for humanitarian assistance for citizens caught in the conflict. Cambodia and Singapore were vocal in favor the UN resolution – of which they were also co-sponsors.
Thailand and Malaysia were initially reluctant to condemn Russia, while Indonesia held a soft stance on the issue as Russia is one of Jakarta’s largest trading partners. Indonesia chose to focus on constructive dialogues between conflicting parties and urged the UN to take concrete measures to prevent escalation. The Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha stressed the Kingdom’s neutrality due to their historical relations and chose not to label it as an “invasion” but rather as the “use of military force in Ukraine”.
On the other hand, Myanmar’s junta labeled the invasion as a justified demonstration of Russian power. This position is unsurprising as Russia is the junta’s main ally and military supplier in its isolation as a result of the coup in February 2021. However, Myanmar voted against the Russian invasion in the UN resolution as the current Myanmar Ambassador to the UN is represented by the previous government overthrown last year, not the junta.
The voting on the UN resolution indicates that Russia’s influence in ASEAN is minimal. It would need to invest more effort if it wanted to establish its foothold in the ASEAN region like China or the US. At the same time, the voting suggests that Vietnam and Laos seek to maintain their traditional military relations with Russia. In fact, 84% of Vietnam’s weapons are imported from Russia. Laos has good military relations with Moscow as Russia has provided a significant amount of military assistance to Laos in the form of military training and arms sales.
The fact that Cambodia voted in favor and co-sponsored the UN resolution is a surprise for many observers given that China – its closest ally – chose to abstain. Cambodia’s trading relationships, however, are more positive with the European Union and the United States compared to Russia, demonstrating Cambodia’s potential desire for longer term economic cooperation with the West.
While ASEAN member states have mixed reactions on this issue, the majority of the bloc have voted in favour of the UN resolution, showing their support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Myanmar junta revokes the citizenship of the top opposition members
On 4 March 2022, the Myanmar junta announced it would revoke the citizenship of top opposition members that resist the junta’s rule. The junta justified this decision by stating that they fled Myanmar illegally and undertook actions that damaged the national interest of Myanmar.
Eleven leaders of the opposition group had their citizenship revoked. Among them eight are members of the NUG, including the NUG’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs Minister, and the Minister of Human Rights while three others are popular activists.
NUG officials responded negatively to the termination. The NUG’s Human Rights Minister labeled the junta as a terrorist junta while the NUG’s Foreign Minister strongly opposed the decision as the junta did not have the right to revoke their citizenship. However, the military remained firm on their position that the group violated Myanmar’s existing laws, despite showing no evidence.
It is possible that others in opposition to the junta will receive the same outcome. This action could be viewed as a tactic to isolate the junta’s opponents even further.
The Philippines to support the US if the Russia-Ukraine conflict spreads to Asia
This week the Philippines stated its willingness to allow US forces to use any of its military bases and facilities if the Russia-Ukraine conflict were to spill into Asia by honoring the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between Manila and Washington.
According to the Philippines Ambassador to Washington, the Philippines was ready to offer Subic Bay and Clark Freeport Zone, the former US naval and air bases respectively, to support the US in case of emergency. This could mean the US and its allies such as Japan and Australia could perform refueling and repairing activities at facilities in the Philippines.
Both Manila and Washington have not issued any statements following the announcement, however, President Duterte recently stressed the Philippines’ neutral stance over the crisis as both Russia and Ukraine are geographically far from Manila.
The Philippines’ shift in support to the US came after the US announced it would strengthen its defense relations in the Indo-Pacific in response to the Ukrainian issue, making Manila a stronger ally for the US in the region.
Sovinda Po is a Research Assistant at the Griffith Asia Institute.
