Kuala lumpur: ASEAN is currently conducting a technical review of the participation of major powers in the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), including the possibility of them placing ‘reservations’ on their commitments to the treaty. Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said the measure reflects ASEAN’s continued efforts to strengthen global commitment to the principle of nuclear non-proliferation and to make Southeast Asia a fully nuclear weapon-free zone.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the SEANWFZ Commission is reviewing the matter through discussions held at the Senior Officials and Executive Committee levels. The main issue is the participation of major powers, depending on whether they can make reservations regarding the protocol, as mentioned by Amran at a media briefing for the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings.

Amran added that ASEAN continues to serve as a key diplomatic platform to encourage major powers to participate in a safer and more controlled nuclear weapons regime. He emphasized that ASEAN remains committed to the principle of nuclear non-proliferation, and ongoing discussions would hopefully pave the way for participation without compromising the fundamental values of the treaty.

China and Russia are reported to have agreed to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol, while the United States is in the process of reviewing before making a decision. The protocol itself was drafted to invite the five nuclear weapon states – China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the US – to participate in the initiative to turn Southeast Asia into a nuclear-free region.

The SEANWFZ Treaty, or the Bangkok Treaty, was signed in December 1995 in Bangkok by 10 ASEAN member countries and took effect in March 1997. Under the protocol, every Nuclear Weapon State must adhere to the SEANWFZ Treaty, not contribute to any act that constitutes a violation of the Treaty or its Protocol, not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against any state party to the Treaty, and additionally, not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons within the zone.

Malaysia will host the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 8-11. Malaysia took over the role of ASEAN Chair from Laos on January 1, 2025, with the theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability, reflecting the country’s aspirations to build a united and prosperous ASEAN. This year marks Malaysia’s fifth ASEAN Chairmanship, having assumed the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.