Asean nuclear stance irks bigger powers

Now, with news from its most recent meeting, as reported in The Nation – “Nuclear states shun Asean treaty” – it appears the grouping is endeavouring to do something worthwhile. 

Regarding Asean’s attempts to hammer out a treaty that forbids the transport or use of nuclear weapons or materials in Southeast Asia, my message to Asean reps is: Stick with it! 

Don’t be disheartened by resistance from representatives of nuclear-armed countries. Resistance from them is expected, but adherence to righteous principles by Asean will prevail. Nuclear treaties have always been sticklers – just ask Al Gore and the hundreds of others who endeavoured to hammer out treaties between the US and USSR for decades. Even so, there were some successes over the years. Nuclear-armed countries will try to make things difficult because, simply put, they don’t want any restrictions on the option of transporting weapons material anywhere. They will obfuscate, delay, harangue and act superior, but don’t let that derail a good treaty.

Interesting that at the same venue there is discussion of the tensions in the South China Sea. There is a correlation. China, determined to own all the islands in that vast region, wants no limitations on its options either. It is already building its first aircraft carrier, and having the nuclear option is a big stick in the business of persuasion. No matter (to China) that it is six to 10 times more distant from certain islands than other contesting countries. Perhaps China would be willing to trade Hainan to the Philippines in exchange for the little islands. Okay, I jest. But the matter of transporting nuclear weapons or materials across Southeast Asia by air, land or sea should be a no-brainer. No transport, no way. Period. Is there anything about “no transport” that nuclear weapons-owning countries don’t understand?  

Ken Albertsen

Chiang Rai