Since the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been discussing the situation in the Korean Peninsula, it can be assumed that the Iranian leader is seeking to foreshadow North Korea’s next move.

This news is extremely important to not just ASEAN members, but countries around the world. Currently, the committee is collaborating and discussing this crisis.  We will let you know of any updates as they become available.

A statement from the South Korean delegates has also been released. “South Korea should maintain peace, until or unless threatened by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) [North Korea]. North Korea has continued to provoke the delegation of South Korea, and we would like to not act on a whim.”

The consensus is currently that continuing to be diplomatic is the best way to move forward. Still, some delegates oppose this.

‘Diplomatic action is not the best action” said the representative from Singapore Saturday evening.

The delegation from Singapore called for military pressure, believing that the European Union and the United States would support them.

“South Korea would not be affected too much, if we dropped one on (DPRK)” they reiterated. 

Clearly, some countries do not have civilians and general welfare in mind. 

ASEAN will continue to achieve a resolution to bring peace to the world and the Korean peninsula.

In a bloc led by the Philippines and Laos, the notions of summits and economic growth were prioritized.  This draft resolution seems to promote peace and prosperity among nations around the world, especially those involved in the South China Sea issue.  Vulnerable nations have been promised protection through this resolution as well.  China has expressed concerns over the free trade plan that the Philippines bloc has presented. 

Conversely, in a bloc led by China, the issue of free trade was emphasized, this draft resolution seems to promote freedom of trade to all members of ASEAN as well as the option to participate in said program.  The Philippines has shown concern over the exclusiveness of this program, as it is limited to members of ASEAN and excludes all western influences.  Meanwhile, China has demonstrated its willingness to make amendments to its draft resolution.  We will update you with more specifics as they become available.

There would be many effects of Kim Jong-un’s death. One could be civil unrest and instability within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a state in an important geopolitical position situated between China and South Korea with nuclear arms and a military. ASEAN will be debating whether outside involvement should be used to prevent and or contain conflict within the DPRK.

Although South Korea’s close proximity calls for prevention of conflict, due to the close proximity, others do not agree. “Intervention, whether politically or militarily will only lead to unnecessary bloodshed, loss, and ignition of global tensions between major world powers” the representative from Laos said.

The issue at hand may also escalate China-U.S. competition due to China’s close connections to the Korean peninsula. This situation could also move into diplomatic and military committees at the United Nations.

In February, ASEAN will face the difficult challenge of setting aside differences in creating unity. The delegates from their respective countries will discuss the outcome of the state of the DPRK.

Furthermore, it was suggested that members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, also known as ASEAN, come together to discuss potential solutions to the issue of the South China Sea Conflict. Other countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, have expressed their support for the Chinese sentiments and objectives. Sovereignty has become an important topic of conversation regarding the issue of the South China Sea and possible solutions, we will keep you updated on this unfolding issue.

“We strongly believe in adhering to the desires of both the United States and China through diplomatic measures that ease tension in the region,” the representative of the Philippines said. 

For the past decade, the South China Sea crisis has been one of major discussions in the global trade market.  The South China Sea dispute involves both the island and maritime claims by everlasting sovereign states within the region, namely Brunei, The People’s Republic of China, The Republic of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. An estimated $3.37 trillion worth of global trade passes through the South China Sea annually. This accounts for a third of the global maritime trade. 80 percent of China’s energy imports and 39.5 percent of China’s total trade passes through the South China Sea.  

“The main conflict, the South China Sea crisis, has caused the nation of the Philippines much political and economic stress,” the representative from the Philippines also said.

Various nations, including the Philippines, have endured the great burden that tensions between China and the United States have created.  While it seems as if there is no end in sight, multiple representatives have come together to discuss potential solutions to this pertinent problem. 

“A main source of tension between the United States and China stems from trade disputes.  Therefore, interjecting as the ASEAN to promote a joint trade force can be one of the many possible options,” the representative from the Philippines also said.

While China and the United States press on with their own agendas, nations across the world are suffering and hoping for a solution.