ASEAN Crisis Simulation: The Road to

Pandemic Recovery: The political-security

impact of COVID-19 to ASEAN
Guidebook

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Introduction

The ASEAN Crisis Simulation aims to replicate a special ASEAN summit and to simulate
real-world workings of diplomacy and negotiation during a situational crisis. Participants of this
summit will be faced with the difficulties of achieving consensus to solve regional issues and
de-escalating interstate tensions, while preserving (or at least working around) the sanctity of the
“ASEAN Way”.

The Crisis Simulation draws inspiration from the 36th and the 37th ASEAN Summit, which took
place in June and November 2020 respectively.

The rules in this simulation will model ASEAN meetings. Delegates will be representing
countries and taking ministerial roles. While it’s not compulsory to act out or represent the
personal interests/perceptions of the individual you represent, we do encourage it!

Where it differs from traditional ASEAN meetings, there is an additional introduction of War
Games simulation featuring breakout sessions and individual country position statements in
between the Summit rounds of motion debates. A new unilateral setting, Individual Country
Planning, will also be featured to allow for internal discussion within countries independent
before a country-to-country negotiation process through breakout sessions are conducted.

You don’t need to prepare a lot for the simulation. An hour or two of research can be quite
sufficient. In this guide, we’ll give you tips on what to prepare and what to expect on the
simulation itself. Happy reading!

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Level of Preparation

Though we don’t expect you to know your country’s entire policy inside out nor should your
research be tedious, it is highly recommended that you have some background knowledge on
your country’s interests in the issue you are addressing, as well as on ASEAN and especially the
norm that dominates its debates, the “ASEAN Way”. This way, you will receive the best
experience of the simulation

For the purpose of this debate, what needs to be known about ASEAN’s principle of “ASEAN
Way” is that ASEAN member states adhere to consensus-building and non-interference. In other
words, it is expected that you do not interfere in another state’s domestic affairs and all ASEAN
member states must ALL agree to the final proposal that is brought up (no veto votes, abstention
is acceptable).

Know the key policies and goals of your position, and where compromise is and is not possible.
Use the following questions to organise information and develop your country’s position on the
problem:

● What are the major issues within the problem?

● What interest does my country take in the problem?

● What policies or actions has my country adopted to address the problem?

● What concessions would my country be willing to accept?

● How will my character address this problem?

● How can my country manage the problem without having the adopted measure interfere
in the affairs of other states?

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Terminologies & Rules

General Debate Étiquettes

● Use formal language. Although personal pronouns are fine, it is highly recommended that
you refer to yourself as your country (e.g. Malaysia believes…; the member for Malaysia
argues…)

● Treat fellow country delegates with utmost respect. Remember that ASEAN runs on
consensus. There is no room for enemies when you are in an ASEAN meeting.

● While it’s good to be serious when addressing the issues, be sure to have fun! No one’s
going to get hurt from the decisions you make at the simulation.

● Cross floor debate is a big no-no. Don’t yell stuff out and don’t interrupt others when
they’re speaking. With one exception, you can only speak ​if you are recognized by the
Chairman. Don’t worry, you’ll get your turn.

Position Statements

Each country will issue a ​1-minute position statement ​where delegates will be expected to outline
their country’s interests with regards to the topic. Countries may refrain from making a statement
if they wish. While not necessary, normally the president/prime minister/sultan is the one to
deliver the position statement.

Drafting of Chairman Statement

The traditional MAM drafting process allows for the Chairman to draft the first version
document for ASEAN member-states to review. The first version is entitled ‘Zero Draft of
Chairman Statement of Special ASEAN Summit’.

Delegates will then be given the opportunity to submit their draft version, introduce a statement
in the first draft or amend the Chairman’s draft. It is the discretion of the Chairman whether to
accept their draft.

Remember, the Zero Draft of the Chairman Statement is just that, a draft​. You need not accept
the draft in full (and perhaps given the text you shouldn’t as well!).

Changes to Document Texts

It is important to be cautious with wording. For example, there is a big difference between
“shall” and “should”. Words can also have a different meaning in the context of the negotiations
than they do normally.

Changing one word can change the meaning of a whole text. It is helpful to read every word and
consider the context and how sentences and paragraphs relate to each other.

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When proposed changes are surfaced during the meeting at the presented document, it should be
reflected in brackets “[ ]” next to the original text. This should subsequently be removed when an
agreement has been made.

Speakers List

While there is a speakers list, there is no pre-fixed speaking order. The Speakers List is an
opportunity for delegates to speak on any particular issue for no more than one minute. To be
included in the speakers list, the delegate must use ​their ‘raise hand’ function in Zoom. The
Chairman will then acknowledge the country and include them in the speakers’ list. The
Chairman will then wait for 3 Delegates to be included in the speakers list before letting the
listed delegates speak. Each delegate on the speakers list has a maximum of 2 minutes to deliver
their statement. The speakers list will be done throughout the motion setting sessions.

The person speaking in a Speakers List can either yield their remaining time to Q&A from other
delegates, to the next delegate on the list, or to the chair. Further, if there is a motion moved by a
delegate, the consideration of the motion will take precedence over the formation of a new
Speakers List. As such, given this and the short time allocated, it is highly recommended that
you move a motion to discuss a particular topic if you want to the Summit to discuss a particular
issue in depth!

The Chairman can also speak in the Speakers List, but they must indicate if they are speaking in
the capacity of Chairman or on behalf of their country.

Motions

Motions can be raised to amend the first document of the Chairman Statement presented by the
Chairperson. Motions will be considered on a first come, first serve basis with exception of a
motion calling for informal consultation, which will take precedence. However, in the interest of
time, the Chair has discretion to reject consideration of any motion.

In order to attract the attention of the Chair, country delegates must use the message function in
Zoom, directly to the Chair, and write:

● Motion to Present a New Draft: If you would like to present your own draft Chairman
Statement. You will need a seconder to submit this motion.

● Motion to Amend a Text: if you would like to amend an existing word, phrase or
sentence that has been introduced into the draft Chairman Statement. You can also move
a friendly amendment to your motion. Friendly amendments are those that enhance a
particular amendment or to make grammatical changes to said amendments. You will
need a seconder to submit this motion.

● Motion to Call for Informal Consultation: requesting a maximum of 2 minutes

suspension/ breakout session

● Motion to extend the Informal Consultation by maximum 1 minute (under the discretion

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 of the Chairman), and can only be extended a maximum of two times

● Motion to Discuss [topic] : if you would like to request a certain topic (X) to be
discussed.

The Conference would need to first vote on whether the said motion is considered. Both
ASEAN and Non-ASEAN delegates can vote and requires merely a simple majority to pass. This
means that for substantive motions such as amending a text and presenting a new draft, there will
be two votes, one for consideration, with a simple majority of all delegates and whether the
amendment / new draft is passed which requires ​consensus of ASEAN delegates​.

The delegate would also need to nominate the maximum discussion time (eg. 10 minutes to
discuss climate change), which cannot exceed 15 minutes. The Chairman has the discretion to
accept or offer amendments to the maximum time as a condition for the motion be ruled in order.

The delegate that moved the motion / successfully moved the motion to discuss a topic will then
have a maximum of 2 minutes to explain their motion / to speak first about a topic. The delegate
that introduced the motion can yield their remaining time to Q&A from other delegates or to the
chair. Other delegates wanting to speak for or against the motion / relating to the topic must raise
their hand in a similar process to if they wanted to be included in the Speakers List.

The ‘Call for Informal Consultation’ has a maximum of 2 minutes but the Chairman has the
discretion to decide the time for informal consultation. Delegate can motion to request for an
extension of the Informal Consultation of a maximum 1 minute for a maximum of 2 times.
Again, it is under the discretion of the Chairman to grant or reject the motion to extend. It is also
encouraged that Informal Consultation takes place at Discord while the formal Zoom meeting
pauses until the time for Informal Consultation has ended.

​Point of Order

● If you feel as if your country has been insulted by a fellow delegate, you may say ‘Point
of Order’ ​AFTER that delegate finishes his/her speech. The Chair will then have the
discretion to give you one minute to point out what the insult was, and then 2 minutes for
the other delegate to respond. Delegates will then vote whether or not you deserve an
apology. If other delegates vote in your favour, the other delegate must either apologize
or retract his/her statement.

Points of order can be noted at any time, and will take precedence over any motions. This
is the exception to the rule that the delegates must not generally speak unless first
recognized by the Chairman.

​Consensus Decision Making

In accordance with Article 20 of the ASEAN Charter, the primary mode of decision-making in
ASEAN is consultation and consensus, a philosophy and tradition to ensure that ASEAN
initiatives have the full support of its Members and where no Member States will feel
disadvantaged.

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This ASEAN Summit Simulation aims to achieve consensus among the ASEAN Member States.

Consensus must be reached in order for any amendments to be passed and the draft version of
the Chairman Statement to be finalised. ASEAN member-states may choose to support, abstain
or veto. A consensus can be reached if there are only support and abstain votes. Where there is 1
veto or more, no consensus can be reached.

Where consensus cannot be reached, the ASEAN Charter provides for the ASEAN Summit to
decide on an alternative method of decision-making. Any dispute can also be surfaced to the next
higher level of meeting for consensus.

For Non-ASEAN Member States:

- you are allowed to engage in activities ​except for submitting a motion & voting on ​substantive
motions​. You can however, vote on whether a motion is considered and motion to discuss a
topic.
- make use of the Q&A sessions and the Speakers List to influence the stance of country delegate
- make use of breakout sessions, informal consultation, and motion suspensions to influence,
lobby, negotiate and coordinate with other delegates.
- make use of position statements to signal, threaten, reassure or even declare war.

The Powers of the Chairman

The Chair will have the final say over all procedural questions, including whether a motion is
ruled in order or not.

Given the Chairman will be facilitating the meetings to reach a diplomatic consensus, the
Chairman has several tools in its discretion to resolve any negotiation impasse. Due to time
constraints, this ASEAN Crisis Simulation will allow for only the use of ‘suspension’.

Suspension

The Chairperson can call for a maximum 2-min break to allow for an informal consultation to
approach directly with veto countries to work out a compromise. Delegates that set the motion
sessions can raise the ‘Call for Informal Consultation’ to the Chairperson after the first voting of
each motion session. This is to allow them to negotiate with oppositions and achieve a consensus
over their motion.

The Chairman reserves the right to accept or reject an informal consultation raised by delegates.
This is dependent upon the nature of the motion and the circumstances of the vote result. If the
motion setter receives five or more veto votes, the Chairman is likely to reject their ‘Call for
Informal Consultation’.

The ‘Call for Informal Consultation’ has a maximum of 2 minutes but the Chairman has the
discretion to decide the time for informal consultation. Delegate can motion to request for an
extension of the Informal Consultation of a maximum 1 minute for a maximum of 2 times.
Again, it is under the discretion of the Chairman to grant or reject the motion to extend

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Upon concluding the suspension, the meeting will reconvene and a resolution must be brought
up for secondary voting.

In the event a consensus to finalise the draft version of the Chairman Statement is not achieved,
no Chairman Statement will be made on the road to Pandemic Recovery.

Direct Informal Message

Direct Informal Message can ​only be sent via Discord​. Direct informal messages may only be
sent during periods of normal debate and formal dialogue and not during the breaks. Delegates
with the same country to represent are expected to communicate with each other using Direct
Informal Message on Discord. Direct informal messages shall not be frivolous or irrelevant. The
Chair and moderator shall retain the right to read and delete a message.

Zoom

All formal meetings will take place on Zoom. Delegates are expected to familiarise themselves
with functions on Zoom, particularly the “raise hand functions” (to be used upon request to be on
the Speaker’s List and to vote for a motion to be considered), the “direct message function” (to
be used to submit a motion to the Chair, call for a point of order, and ​emergency-only queries to
the Chair/ Admin), and “mute/ unmute and stop/start video”.

Discord

Informal Consultation, Breakout Sessions, and Suspensions will take place on Discord.
Delegates are expected to familiarise themselves with functions on Discord, particularly the
“direct message”, “text chat, voice chat, and video chat”, “chat to ​general” (​ to be used when you
want to announce a message to ​ALL delegates​), “uploading files to ​resources” ​(to be used when
you want to submit your own Draft of Chairman Statement or for Admin to send important files),
and “chat to ​general queries” (​ to be used when you want to ask a question to the Admin or to all
delegates). If at any time throughout the Informal Consultation, Breakout Sessions, and
Suspensions you would like to request to chat/ voice chat/ video chat with ​more than one
country, ​you should “chat to ​summoning channel” ​and request the admin to make a Discord
group-chat with the countries you wish to text/speak to.

Twitter (to be confirmed if will be in play during the simulation)

As a delegate, you can use your official ACS twitter account (details will be given to you) to
tweet during the session to share your thoughts! Your tweet cannot be addressed in the formal
meeting itself, but you can use your tweet to indicate your country’s position to other delegates.

Clarification on the nature of ASEAN Summit Simulation

The purpose of the ASEAN Summit Simulation is to create a Chairman Statement on the road
towards Pandemic Recovery.

A Chairman Statement is different from a Declaration. A Declaration includes both

Pre-ambulatory Clauses and Operative Clauses. The former states all the issues and the reasons

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why the committee wants to resolve the issues. The latter states the solutions proposed to resolve
the specific issues mentioned in the pre-ambulatory. A Chairman Statement is more general and
may choose to include any of the clauses.

Sources for Analysing the Chairman Statement

To better appreciate the importance of how each wording or phrase or sentence is drafted and
evolved over time during each ASEAN Summit and over the years, see for example:

● https://thediplomat.com/tag/37th-asean-summit/
● https://thediplomat.com/2020/10/vietnams-virtual-charm-offensive/
● https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/after-asean-summit-little-change-south-china
-sea
● https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/insights/the-growing-risks-of-strategic-miscalculation-in-the-
south-china-sea
● https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/vietnam-steps-up-to-take-asean-leadership-role/
● https://www.scribd.com/document/467216059/Thayer-ASEAN-Summit-and-Vietnam

Example of Chairman Statement

Example 1: Chairman's Statement of the 37th ASEAN Summit: "Cohesive and

Responsive," Ha Noi, 12 November 2020.

1. We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, gathered for the 37th
ASEAN Summit on 12 November 2020 under the Chairmanship of the Socialist Republic
of Viet Nam.

2. We welcomed ASEAN’s commendable efforts in achieving a Cohesive and Responsive

ASEAN, the theme of ASEAN for 2020. We were encouraged by progress made in the
realization of ASEAN’s priorities in 2020, including through the implementation of the
“ASEAN Leader’s Vision Statement on a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN: Rising above
Challenges and Sustaining Growth”. We acknowledged ASEAN’s unity and solidarity
were strengthened, ASEAN Centrality was consolidated, ASEAN’s active contribution to
regional peace and stability was duly recognized. We also acknowledged the steady
progress in ASEAN’s economic integration and regional connectivity with the enhanced
capacity of ASEAN to adapt to the changing regional and global dynamics. We
commended active efforts to promote ASEAN awareness, identity and visibility. We were
gratified by the achievements of ASEAN in contributing to the global cause for peace,
stability and sustainable development. We welcomed and encouraged ASEAN’s continued
efforts in enhancing its institutional capacity and effectiveness to better respond to
changing circumstances.

ASEAN EXTERNAL RELATIONS

76. We noted with satisfaction the encouraging progress in ASEAN’s relations with our
Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and Development Partners and other

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 partners and agreed to further enhance and strengthen our partnerships and cooperation
through the existing frameworks and plans of action based on mutual interest and benefit.

64. We also highlighted the importance of and reaffirmed commitment to further

strengthening ASEAN’s partnerships with other external partners as well as regional and
international organizations, including the UN to address global concerns, to pursue
shared goals and complementary initiatives, and to promote sustainable development for
the benefit of our people. In this connection, we welcomed the presence of two ASEAN
Member States, Indonesia and Viet Nam, as the non-permanent members of the United
Nations Security Council (UNSC). We also welcomed the first-ever briefing by the
Secretary-General of ASEAN at the UNSC on “Cooperation between the UN and
Regional and Sub-regional Organisations in Maintaining Peace and Security: The Role
of ASEAN” on 30 January 2020 at the UN Headquarters in New York, which helped
promote ASEAN’s prestige and image at this global platform and contributed to the
strengthening of ASEAN-UN relations. As part of the continuing efforts to further
increase interaction and strengthen cooperation with the UN, we encouraged ASEAN
Member States to present their candidate or candidature to various posts in UN’s bodies
and agencies.

(Available at:
https://asean.org/storage/43-Chairmans-Statement-of-37th-ASEAN-Summit-FINAL.pdf)

Example 2: CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT OF THE 36th ASEAN SUMMIT 26 June 2020

“COHESIVE AND RESPONSIVE ASEAN”

1. We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, gathered for the 36th
ASEAN Summit on 26 June 2020. Under the theme of Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN
in 2020, we underscored the need to enhance ASEAN’s unity, cooperation and solidarity,
economic integration, ASEAN awareness and identity, and emphasized the importance of
promoting ASEAN pro-activeness and capacity in seizing opportunities as well as in
addressing the challenges brought about by rapid changes in the regional and global
landscape.

2. We recognized the unprecedented challenges posed by the Coronavirus Disease 2019

(COVID-19) pandemic in the region and the world. We noted with grave concerns the
human cost and socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 and reaffirmed our commitment to
implementing targeted policies to assure our peoples that ASEAN is at the forefront of
this critical battle and future crises.

ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY

25. We commended the significant progress made and reaffirmed our continued
commitment in combating transnational crimes, including through the strengthening of
cross-sectoral and cross-pillar cooperation. We acknowledged the continuous effort of
implementing the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women

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 and Children (ACTIP), which has now been ratified by all ASEAN Member States. We
shared the concern that the source of trafficking in persons continues to victimise
displaced persons in the region and will further enhance cooperation to address this
issue. We also noted the upcoming conduct of ASEAN collaboration meeting for the final
review and discussion on the ways forward of the Bohol Trafficking in Persons Work
Plan 2017-2020. We looked forward to the implementation of the recently adopted Work
Plan of the ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and
Violent Extremism (Bali Work Plan) 2019- 2025 as an important step to comprehensively
address radicalisation and violent extremism in the region. We also noted that work is
underway to enhance border management cooperation based on Thailand’s draft
Concept Paper on “A Regional Border Management Cooperation Roadmap” which is
being discussed by the Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and
the Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs
Divisions of Ministries of Foreign Affairs Meeting (DGICM) with an aim for
endorsement at the 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in 2020.

26. We recognised the importance of cybersecurity cooperation in ensuring an open,

secure, stable, accessible and resilient cyberspace to support the ASEAN digital
economy. We welcomed on-going efforts undertaken at the various ASEAN sectoral
bodies to strengthen a rules-based cyberspace and advance regional cybersecurity policy
coordination and capacity building, including through the proposed ASEAN
Coordinating Committee on Cybersecurity (ASEAN-Cyber CC) and the cybersecurity
training programmes conducted by the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building
Centre (AJCCBC) in Bangkok and the ASEANSingapore Cybersecurity Centre of
Excellence (ASCCE) in Singapore. We looked forward to the establishment of the ASEAN
Cybersecurity Coordination Committee.

...

29. We acknowledged the defence sector’s response to COVID-19 pandemic, as reflected

in the Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Defence Cooperation Against
Disease Outbreaks issued in February 2020. We observed that its implementation is
currently on-going particularly through the conduct of the virtual ADMM COVID-19
Table-Top Exercise on 27 May 2020 under the ASEAN Center of Military Medicine, and
a virtual workshop in June 2020 under the Network of ASEAN Chemical, Biological and
Radiological Defence Experts.

(Available at:
https://asean.org/storage/2020/06/Chairman-Statement-of-the-36th-ASEAN-Summit-FINAL.pdf)

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