Kuala Lampur, May 13 -- As the geopolitical winds shift across the Indo-Pacific, the inclusion of Timor-Leste into Asean is no longer a peripheral issue. It is central to Asean's own identity, credibility, and future direction. Having met nearly every requirement for accession and sustained decades of diplomatic engagement, Timor-Leste has earned its seat at the table. But more than that - it has already made its choice. The real question now is whether Asean has the courage to affirm it.

A crossroads between two worlds

Timor-Leste occupies a rare position at the crossroads of South-east Asia and the South Pacific. Culturally, historically, and geographically, it could have easily aligned itself with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) - a ...