WHAT CEASEFIRE MEANS FOR ASEAN – AND ANWAR?
Some analysts have dubbed the ceasefire agreement a “rare diplomatic success” for ASEAN.
It reinforces the bloc’s relevance in managing intra-regional crises, said Jamil Ghani, a doctoral candidate at Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
“It revives confidence in ASEAN centrality and showcases the bloc’s potential to uphold its founding commitments to regional peace, neutrality, and non-interference … The swift resolution also strengthens ASEAN’s credibility as a framework for conflict mediation without great-power involvement,” he said.
“Amid mounting criticism over ASEAN’s inertia on issues like Myanmar, the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire illustrates that the bloc can still deliver meaningful outcomes — when its chair acts decisively,” said Jamil.
Anwar had acted quickly and displayed his diplomatic skills in brokering the ceasefire, analysts agreed.
He offered a neutral venue and framed the talks under ASEAN’s diplomatic umbrella, giving both parties “political space to de-escalate”, noted Jamil.
“To save face, neither Thailand nor Cambodia would have acted to stop first, so Malaysia stepped in as mediator. Malaysia understands the predicament of Thailand and Cambodia and that is a starting point to end the conflict,” said Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan.
While a “coup” for Malaysia and ASEAN, Azmi and other experts noted US President Trump’s role in nudging both sides towards peace.
Both Cambodia and Thailand currently face a 36 per cent tariff on goods exported to the US, which is set to take effect from Aug 1, unless a reduction can be negotiated.
“Trump had linked tariff talks to a ceasefire. For all the talk about China, it seems that these states still can’t do without the US market. ASEAN on its own was unable to broker a meeting earlier or to prevent the conflict from breaking out,” said Chong Ja Ian, an assistant professor of political science at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
US Ambassador Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing were present during the meeting in Putrajaya.
Trump on Monday claimed that both countries reached a ceasefire and peace because of his involvement, and said trade negotiations would resume.
“By ending this war, we have saved thousands of lives. I have instructed my trade team to restart negotiations on trade. I have now ended many wars in just six months — I am proud to be the President of peace!” he said on the Truth Social platform.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for calm last Friday during talks with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing.
In his separate meetings with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn earlier this month, Wang had expressed hope that the two neighbours will uphold peace and resolve their dispute through dialogue.
China will play an impartial and constructive role on the matter, Wang added.
On Sunday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Cambodia and Thailand are important members of ASEAN which has been “working intensively” to bring about a ceasefire.
“China commends it and welcomes all efforts conducive to de-escalation. China will maintain its fair and impartial position and continue having close communication with both sides, actively facilitate talks for peace and play a constructive role for a ceasefire.”
Anwar himself called the agreement “concrete evidence of ASEAN’s diplomatic strength” and said the 10-member bloc “remains united and principled”.
