ASEAN’s China dilemma

Source– The post is based on the article “ASEAN’s China dilemma” published in “The Indian Express” on 28th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International Relations – Regional and global groupings

News– During the recent ASEAN meeting, Indonesia successfully introduced new perspectives into often contentious ASEAN positions.

What was the approach of Indonesia on the Indo-Pacific during the ASEAN meeting?

Indonesia’s approach at the meeting involved an initiative to embrace the Indo-Pacific region. They organised the inaugural ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF).

In his AIPF address, President Widodo called for expanding the sphere of prosperity within ASEAN, recognizing that global economic growth was now primarily centred in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesian representatives made it clear that not only did they completely embrace the Indo-Pacific concept without excessive concern for China’s reaction. But they also adopted a functional approach to the Indo-Pacific.

This approach resembles the Quad’s cooperative stance on the Indo-Pacific, viewing it more as a collaborative endeavour than solely a strategic concept.

What is the approach of Indonesia towards Myanmar?

Indonesia incorporated the Five-Point Consensus (5PC). Indonesia didn’t appoint an individual as a special envoy but established an office for the special envoy, which allowed it to quietly engage with Myanmar.

Indonesia’s perspective on the 5PC has shifted from seeing it as a binding decision to viewing it as a facilitating initiative.

ASEAN collectively decided that Myanmar would not host the 2026 summit. In the past, ASEAN has used the privilege of hosting a summit as a means to address Myanmar’s actions.

How is China a challenge for ASEAN?

China represents the primary challenge for ASEAN, particularly concerning the rivalry between major powers in the region. China’s call for peace and prosperity implies a desire to prevent the US and China from displaying their rivalry within the region.

Progress on the code of conduct for the South China Sea (SCS) has been slow. There are differences over the interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, especially in relation to China’s new standard map.

What are steps taken by ASEAN to counter these challenges?

ASEAN has embraced the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP), aimed at enhancing coordination among coast guards and conducting joint exercises among defence forces.

Under Indonesia’s chairmanship, there is a movement toward coordinated rules on how ASEAN should act when consensus is lacking, potentially leading to decision-making by a coalition of willing members.