East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta delivered a pointed critique of global power dynamics at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, arguing that sustainable security cannot stem from 'the barrel of a gun.' In a strongly worded rebuke, the leader of the newest Asean member urged world powers to learn from the bloc's example.
Ramos-Horta framed Asean as a model where dialogue prevents conflict, even as he acknowledged its shortcomings. He described the organization as 'not heaven on earth' and admitted that achieving consensus can be 'frustratingly slow.' Yet he insisted that this patient, diplomatic approach yields dividends other structures do not.
The president's remarks come as Southeast Asia navigates intensifying great-power competition. Asean's principle of non-interference and consensus-building often draws criticism for inaction, but Ramos-Horta argued these very traits have kept the region from descending into major confrontation.
His speech implicitly challenged the calculus of states that prioritize military buildup over diplomatic engagement. For East Timor — a nation born from conflict and now the bloc's youngest member — the lesson is that lasting security demands more than a show of force.
Analysts note that Asean's track record on crises like Myanmar casts doubt on its effectiveness. Still, Ramos-Horta's call serves as a reminder that for smaller nations, diplomatic channels remain the primary safeguard.