Asean an ‘association’ without collective aim
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The term “double-minded” comes from the Greek word dipsuchos, meaning “a person with two minds or souls”. This is how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations explains itself following the unusual retraction of its members’ bold statement against China’
From serious concerns to serious incongruity, Asean is biblically “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind”.
Any “association” ceases to exist as such if it doesn’t serve a collective purpose and each participant looks only after its own interest. What a shame! Asean should stand united against China’s aggression and incursions in the troubled waters and act as one principled body for the common good of the region and the world. Its members could look beyond their selfish individual welfare, refusing to compromise justice and truth, especially if their fellow members are being tyrannised by another country.
Laos and Cambodia are the two closest allies of China in the league who seem lethargic about the problem. They were the countries that reportedly objected to the original communique and blocked the confederate stand. They prove to be undeserving members of the group. If you can’t walk on water, don’t sink the boat.
Reni M Valenzuela
(From the Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN)
