The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been known for impartiality and inclusiveness in dealing with its external relations.
One of its time-honored principles is non-interference in other countries’ internal and domestic affairs.
Thus, ASEAN as a bloc has been trying to refrain from involvement in distant conflicts, like the war in Ukraine.
Some ASEAN states had taken individual positions on the issue.
Singapore has condemned Russia and even imposed sanctions, supporting the United States and its Western allies.
In contrast, Myanmar supported Russia, justifying the invasion by saying that Moscow has the right to protect its national interest, with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) creeping closer to its borders.
The rest of ASEAN, including the staunch US ally, the Philippines, remained in the middle and kept their neutrality.
Of course, ASEAN, as a bloc, has adopted a position, calling on both parties to end the conflict and resolve it through peaceful and diplomatic means.
Three months back, Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, went on a charm offensive and sought support from Asian countries during a trip to Singapore for the annual Shangri-la Dialogue.
He even went out of his way to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in a surprise visit to Manila after the two failed to have a meeting in Singapore.
While in Singapore, Zelenskyy tried to woo Southeast Asian states’ support by condemning China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Zelenskyy knew the Philippines was the stanchest ally of the United States in the region and China’s bitter enemy because of continued harassment in Scarborough and Second Thomas Shoals.
Zelenskyy was not properly dressed when he met President Marcos at the presidential palace but he was desperate to win the Philippines’s support in the war against Russia.
He had invited President Marcos to a summit in Switzerland but the president sent retired general Carlito Galvez.
During Zelenskyy’s visit, Ukraine asked the Philippines to send mental health professionals to help Ukraine troops treat psychological trauma.
However, there is a language barrier between Filipino health professionals and Ukraine troops since understanding the language is a big part of the health process.
Moreover, Filipino health workers could be placed in harms’ way because of the two-year intense conflict and with no end in sight.
There could be other ways for the Philippines to help in the Russia-Ukraine war but getting directy involved should not be the case.
Already, there were reports some electrical and mechanical equipment manufactured in the Philippines have ended up in Ukraine through German companies.
It would be best for the Philippines to avoid sending warm bodies to Ukraine where they could end up in the frontlines as health workers.
The Philippines must maintain its non-interference principle in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where it does not have a direct stake.
The non-interference principle is one of the strengths of ASEAN multilateralism.
Like ASEAN, the Philippines also lacked the capability to influence the outcome of the conflict. It is just a small player in the international area.
ASEAN is also saddled by many internal and external challenges, like the political situation in Myanmar and the big power rivalry between the United States and China in the region.
The only way for the Philippines and ASEAN to get involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is to facilitate peaceful dialogue to end the war.
ASEAN has the expertise and experience to do this, although it has been unsuccessful in bringing an end to the instability in Myanmar.
But it is no excuse to try to serve as a bridge between Russia and Ukraine to avoid further suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The Russia-Ukraine has also affected the world, impacting on energy and food crisis in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Philippines and the rest of ASEAN should remain neutral to the conflict and instead facilitate dialogue to end the war.
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