Trudeau heads to Southeast Asia as Israel-Hamas war promises to overshadow trade talks
One expert observer says Canada and other western nations have taken a 'reputational hit' in the region
Kkritika Suri
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to visit Laos this week, aiming to strengthen trade and political relationships in the region, even as public opinion in Southeast Asia is heavily focused on the ongoing violence in the Middle East.
Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of research and strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, highlighted that Canada, along with other Western nations, has seen its reputation suffer in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where public sentiment often sides with Palestinians over Israel.
Nadjibulla pointed out that the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit from October 10-11 offers Trudeau an opportunity to counter claims that Western nations are indifferent to the "suffering in Gaza."
"It's essential to remind everyone that we value human rights and aim to resolve conflicts globally, not just in specific areas, to challenge the charge of hypocrisy," Nadjibulla said.
She also noted that accusations of Western hypocrisy, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, are being fueled by disinformation campaigns from Russia and China. The claim suggests the West prioritizes suffering in Europe, such as in Ukraine, over crises in places like Africa or the Middle East.
Trudeau's diplomatic approach to managing these tensions will be closely observed at the summit.
After his historic visit to Laos, Trudeau will travel to Germany for a meeting hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, where the focus will be on reaffirming global support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.
ASEAN, formed in 1967 to promote economic growth, peace, and stability, consists of 10 member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
This year’s ASEAN summit follows the one-year anniversary of Hamas's deadly attack on Israel, which claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Workers from countries like Thailand were among those killed or kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
ASEAN nations have varied stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but recently united in support of a UN resolution that called for an end to Israel’s occupation of "Palestinian territory" within a year.
Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority nation, has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, with Brunei and Laos also expressing support for Palestinians.
Kai Ostwald, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, noted that Malaysia, which will chair ASEAN next year, has been vocal about the Israel-Hamas conflict and the recent escalation in Lebanon. In August, Malaysia criticized the global community for not taking action against what it termed Israel’s indiscriminate killing of civilians. Ostwald expects Malaysia to use the ASEAN Summit as a platform to push for international solidarity on the issue.
In contrast, Singapore, which has historical ties to Israel, faces the delicate position of being wedged between Malaysia and Indonesia. Ostwald pointed out the risk that the Gaza crisis could deepen divisions in the region.
