Malaysian Chairmanship, China and Myanmar: New Leadership Amid Bellicose Politics

2025 began during a time of turmoil. From the U.S. presidential election to the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in Israel, the new year brings about a time of conflict and international disruption. Alongside these tensions, as has been seen for some time, the civil war in Myanmar has caused much disruption in the Indochinese region. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2021, the Myanmar civil war has been overshadowed by the more recent wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Even while somewhat overshadowed by other conflicts, this destructive war has led to countless deaths and large swathes of destruction both within and without the nation of Myanmar. Most notably, while physical casualties have lessened outside of the unstable region, the economic harm caused by this violence has continued to spread unabated within the area. This harm, some hope, will begin to be mended with the newest appointment of ASEAN leadership, even though Maylasia admits that will be a tall task.

With the new appointment of Malaysia to this position in 2025, work has begun on attempting to establish peace in Myanmar amidst the continual conflict. The already straining peace talks begun during the previous leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have come to a head, with the military junta of Myanmar proposing an election to end this years-long conflict. Peace in the region would restore a measure of political and, eventually, economic stability within this vital trade network, allowing the reestablishment of vital trade lines on which many in the zone depend. Malaysia is dedicated to the task of ending this conflict, with behind-closed-door meetings conducted to discuss the direction in which they will conduct themselves regarding this conflict. While a new appointment to such a high position during this sensitive time has raised some concerns, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledges peace, stability, and shared prosperity for 2025 in accordance with ASEAN guidelines amid tensions.

Another point of contention that has only increased as Myanmar has grown more heated has been standoffs in the South China Sea. The South China Sea, a conduit for about $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade, has been the site of heated standoffs in the past two years between ASEAN member the Philippines and China, a significant source of the area’s trade and investment during this time. These conflicts have made many concerned about the future stability of the sea route, as such incidents have only increased in scope over the years. Many outside investigators have noted a willingness within Malaysia to put an end to the Myanmar conflict but a distinct lack of concrete procedure in preparation for further conflicts with China in the sea lane. The concern about further escalation of skirmishes along this route has stymied immediate efforts to stabilize the growing pressure, but Malaysians seem optimistic about finding a common ground to alleviate the tensions in the area and maintain the flow of trade along this busy waterway.

With increasing military and economic warfare raging across the globe, one may wonder if such conflicts may spread into other regions as tensions rise due to a perceived lack of trade opportunities alongside political conflicts. While such a situation is unlikely to occur presently, one may find it wise to keep apprised of such situations, as knowledge is power in such trying times as these.

Article Written by Jean-Marc Durand

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