Concerns over rising tensions in the South China Sea are topping the agenda at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADDM), which is now being held in Malaysia.

Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on Tuesday (Nov 3) called on his counterparts from Southeast Asia to stay united as one in dealing with superpowers like US and China.

As defence ministers from 10 ASEAN member countries gathered for an annual retreat ahead of meetings on Wednesday with their dialogue partners, China and US, Malaysia’s Defence Minister emphasised the importance of ASEAN’s role in the region’s peace and security.

… “Several Southeast Asian countries have made it clear that they do not want to be put in uncomfortable positions where they are forced to take sides,” said Dr Farish A. Noor, Associate Professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

“But this action has unfortunately had the effect of raising the stakes slightly further and brought us one step closer where the moment of taking sides may be necessary.”