ASEAN TAKES A Seat
Despite Southeast Asia being generally highlighted as a key foundation of the US Indo-Pacific plan, Washington ’s activities suggest that ASEAN continues to take a back in its broader political calculations.
An example is Biden’s decision to host the fourth Quad Leaders ’ Summit in his home in Delaware, alongside the prime ministers of Australia, Japan and India. This reflects the importance the US locations on security-oriented relationships such as the Quad and the multilateral security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the US ( AUKUS). Next month’s Joint Leaders Statement marking AUKUS’ second celebration further underscores the US’ prioritisation of these unique, security-focused clusters over broader bilateral relationship with ASEAN.
The US has furthermore strengthened multilateral participation in the region, mainly with like-minded partners. Significant examples include the multilateral conference with Japan and South Korea in Camp David last year and the annual conference with Japan and the Philippines held in Washington in April this time. These categories reflect the US’ broader plan of forging partnerships with partners that coincide with its strategic goals, mainly to counter China ’s expanding influence in the region.
While regional security issues, such as China ’s increasing confidence and growing dangers from North Korea, undoubtedly influence ASEAN places, the gathering as a whole remains largely sidelined in US’ security concerns despite being at the center of the Indo-Pacific.
Although the US often emphasises ASEAN importance in its speech, its actions typically reveal a preference for smaller, special groupings or diplomatic ties with like-minded countries and viewing ASEAN through the lens of its corporate competition with China. As a result, many in the region are wary of the potential consequences.
While the State of Southeast Asia 2024 report shows that Southeast Asians may view the Quad as beneficial to the region, there are lingering and ingrained fears that such minilaterals undermine the centrality of ASEAN.