Highlighting how diversification is important for the region and its continued growth, he said: “When other big powers see their presence in South-East Asia as a zero-sum game, they are making a very big mistake.
In his address, Yeo also underscored the role that the Asean can play in global affairs by helping to break down barriers and facilitate discussions. Under Indonesia’s watch, the G-20, where United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had their historic first in-person meeting since Biden took officeHe added: “This is the kind of role that Asean can play. Not by interposing itself, by saying ‘we are right, you are wrong, and this is how the world should be’. But just by being gracious, by showing respect, by nodding, by acknowledging.
Responding to an audience member who asked about how domestic politics can affect regional politics, Mr Yeo touched on the situation in Myanmar and said that the situation there needs to be handled before it worsens further.