If Asean cannot muster the will to prevent armed conflict among its members, it will be seen as little more than a ceremonial shell.

Analysts urge Asean to act quickly and facilitate dialogue, but warn the bloc’s efforts may ‘no longer be sufficient’ given limited tools for intervention.

If Asean cannot muster the will to prevent armed conflict among its members, it will be seen as little more than a ceremonial shell.

Non-interference from Asean partners need not mean looking the other way amid loss of life and a serious threat to collective security.