"Thorny Issues and Key Challenges Await Southeast Asian Leaders at ASEAN Summit"

Southeast Asian leaders are gathering in Jakarta for the final ASEAN summit of the year, facing divisive issues including Myanmar's civil strife, tensions in the South China Sea, and the ongoing rivalry between the United States and China. The absence of U.S. President Joe Biden adds to the somber atmosphere, as the bloc's unity and relevance are questioned. ASEAN's principle of non-interference and consensus decision-making have limited its ability to address human rights abuses and security challenges. Myanmar's military government is barred from attending the summit, and discussions are underway to allow ASEAN to make decisions even without unanimous agreement. The credibility of ASEAN is at stake as it grapples with these complex issues.