YANGON/PHNOM PENH (Bernama) : While the emerging Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) does not pose a serious challenge to Asean's central role in South-East Asia's regional security architecture, experts believe it has the potential to complement Asean's efforts in advancing regional integration.
The GMS, initiated by the Asian Development Bank in 1992, comprises Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi.
Regional experts regard the GMS as a complementary framework to deepen regional integration and foster greater collaboration between mainland and maritime Southeast Asia.
Asean member states - with 670 million people - could tap into its wealth of resources from electricity, and marine products to minerals.
According to the Mekong River Commission, the river boasts about 20,000 plant species and 1,148 fish species, and supplies nearly 2.3 million tonnes of fish annually.
Universiti Malaya’s Adjunct Professor of Regional and Global Affairs, Datuk Dr Ilango Karuppanna, said the 10-member grouping should increase its engagement with GMS to maintain ASEAN integration.
"Although GMS has not been a mainstream activity of Asean, it is very important to Asean integration. The Mekong is analogous to the South China Sea. Both have their sovereignty issues and yet they provide opportunities and challenges.
"We want GMS to be part of Asean and complement Asean, and not be seen as a rival grouping driven by China,” the former ambassador told Bernama.
GMS members are part of the mighty Mekong River, which is a critical source of food, water resources, and livelihood for millions people.
It is also a vital transportation route for the countries in the region.
The longest river in South-East Asia stretching about 4,900 km flows from China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Emeritus Professor Carlyle Thayer of UNSW Canberra's School of Humanities and Social Sciences said that some of the GMS countries-Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam-have joined Asean and are committed to its policies.
"Members of the Greater Mekong Subregion share a common interest in developing the resources of the Mekong for mutual benefit.
"But this is an insufficient basis for them to evolve into a unified bloc to either challenge Asean or influence Asean on key regional interests,” said Thayer.
Asean continues to be the cornerstone of regional cooperation and security, treating all member states as equals despite their developmental disparities since its inception in 1967.
"Asean recognises that there are development gaps between members and is quite tolerant if any member falls behind in meeting its commitments. Asean proceeds at a pace comfortable to all,” said Thayer.
GMS economies are growing in numbers. With a population of 326 million, the grouping’s intra-annual trade was RM3.8 trillion (US$837 billion) in 2022.
The mission of GMS-2030 emphasises community, connectivity, and competitiveness. According to its website, its key agenda includes environmental sustainability, integration both internally and externally, and inclusivity.
"The GMS, with its focus on economic development and connectivity among member states, complements rather than undermines ASEAN's efforts,” said Thayer.
Asean will continue to be the cornerstone of regional stability, effectively managing diverse interests, and fostering unity among Southeast Asian nations. - Bernama
