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Focus Malaysia
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Rethinking SEATO: A new maritime pact for ASEAN?
AS geopolitical tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asian nations find themselves increasingly vulnerable to the turbulence sweeping the region. China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, the rising strategic competition between the United States (US) and China, and the proliferation of non-traditional maritime threats such as piracy and illegal fishing have converged to create a volatile security environment. Against this backdrop, a provocative question has resurfaced: Should the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) revive the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) as a mechanism to bolster regional maritime security? SEATO, founded in 1954 and dissolved in 1977, was originally designed as a Cold War-era collective defence pact aimed at containing communism. Its legacy is, at best, mixed. With only two Southeast Asian members i.e., Thailand and the Philippines and heavily dominated by external powers like the US, United Kingdom, and France, SEATO was often criticised for its lack of cohesion and legitimacy within the region. Its failure to evolve into a true collective security mechanism contributed to its irrelevance and eventual dissolution. Yet in 2025, the strategic landscape has changed dramatically. Today, the Indo-Pacific is the epicentre of global power politics, and ASEAN's role has never been more crucial. The organisation stands at a crossroads: continue with its consensus-based, non-aligned approach, or adapt to a more assertive and structured security framework in response to rising threats. The idea of reviving SEATO or at least, reimagining it should be explored seriously, but with critical adjustments grounded in current realities. Maritime security: ASEAN's Achilles heel Southeast Asia's maritime domain is a focal point for multiple overlapping claims, economic interests, and military ambitions. The South China Sea alone sees one-third of global shipping pass through its waters. Yet, maritime security remains ASEAN's Achilles heel. Despite initiatives like the ASEAN Maritime Forum and joint patrols in the Sulu and Celebes Seas, the region lacks a comprehensive, cohesive maritime defence structure. In the face of China's continued island-building, coercion of fishermen, and incursions into Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), ASEAN's diplomatic toolbox seems increasingly inadequate. Reviving SEATO or creating a SEATO 2.0 could offer a more robust framework to pool resources, share intelligence, and establish clear deterrents. Unlike its Cold War predecessor, a modern version would need to be rooted in ASEAN leadership, rather than being externally driven. This could transform it from a symbol of neo-colonial entanglement into a proactive regional safeguard. A reimagined SEATO: ASEAN-led and inclusive Any modern iteration of SEATO must be fundamentally different in design and intent. First and foremost, it should be ASEAN-led, preserving the centrality of the organisation. External partners such as the US, Japan, Australia, and India could serve as dialogue or strategic partners, but not dominant actors. This would maintain ASEAN's long-held position of neutrality while enabling it to take a more assertive role in shaping regional security. The objectives of a new SEATO would also need to evolve. Rather than being a purely anti-China alliance, it should focus on enhancing maritime domain awareness, building naval interoperability, strengthening coast guard cooperation, and securing sea lines of communication. These goals are inherently defensive and could gain broader support among ASEAN's diverse members, many of whom are wary of becoming pawns in great power rivalries. This reimagined SEATO could also be integrated into the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture. Coordination with initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) would create a multi-layered and resilient defence posture. Challenges and caveats However, reviving or rebranding SEATO is far from a silver bullet. ASEAN's core principles are non-interference, consensus-based decision-making, and respect for sovereignty, often inhibit swift or unified responses to crises. Member states have varying security priorities and relationships with major powers. For instance, Cambodia and Laos maintain close ties with China, while the Philippines and Vietnam are more confrontational. This divergence makes the formation of a formal security pact challenging. Moreover, introducing a SEATO-like structure risks undermining ASEAN unity if not managed carefully. It could exacerbate intra-regional tensions and provoke backlash from China, which may interpret it as an encirclement strategy. Balancing deterrence and diplomacy will be crucial. The path forward: Pragmatic regionalism Rather than a wholesale revival of SEATO, ASEAN should consider a flexible, modular approach. A 'SEATO-lite' framework beginning with joint maritime exercises, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building—could evolve organically based on the needs and consensus of member states. This incremental strategy would avoid the political costs of formalising a defence pact while still enhancing maritime cooperation. Additionally, ASEAN should push for institutional reforms that allow for 'ASEAN Minus X' models where willing members move forward on specific security initiatives without requiring unanimity. This would preserve the group's cohesion while allowing progress on urgent maritime issues. Conclusion The notion of reviving SEATO as a means to strengthen maritime security in Southeast Asia is both provocative and timely. While the historical baggage of the original SEATO looms large, the current strategic environment demands fresh thinking. A reinvented, ASEAN-led security framework whether called SEATO or something new could be a pivotal step in safeguarding the region's maritime future. ASEAN must not allow itself to be paralysed by its past or by external pressures. The Indo-Pacific is evolving rapidly, and so too must Southeast Asia's security architecture. Whether through a revived SEATO or an entirely new model, one thing is clear: the time for passive neutrality is over. ‒ June 9, 2025 R Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit
Barnama
05-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Remains a Credible Partner on Global Stage
By Voon Miaw Ping KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains a relevant and credible partner amid increasingly shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics, said Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. He emphasised that ASEAN's cohesiveness and commitment to peace and economic cooperation are key to its resilience. bootstrap slideshow 'These elements are what make ASEAN strong together,' he told Bernama in an interview on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits held in Malaysia's capital last week. He said maintaining regional security and stability is vital for ASEAN to continue to be seen by its external partners as a region of peace and prosperity. He highlighted several ASEAN-led mechanisms that have continued to be the cornerstone of the region's security and peace architecture, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, East Asia Summit, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Established in 1976, the TAC is a legally binding code for interstate relations in the region and beyond. As of October 2024, 55 countries are parties to the TAC while several others are also seeking to accede to the treaty. 'We are moving in the right direction. The concept of ASEAN strong together will inspire confidence in the global community that ASEAN is a worthy and credible partner,' said Maris.
Barnama
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN-US Meeting Strengthens Regional Defence Cooperation
By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz SINGAPORE, May 30 (Bernama) -- The multilateral meeting between ASEAN defence ministers, Timor-Leste, and United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Friday is expected to further strengthen regional defence cooperation, said Malaysia's Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue here on Friday. bootstrap slideshow 'The meeting served as a platform for ASEAN countries to exchange views on regional security challenges, especially in the Indo-Pacific, and to explore opportunities to strengthen defence cooperation with the United States,' Mohamed Khaled shared in a Facebook post. He also shared Malaysia's perspective as the current ASEAN Chair, highlighting two major regional issues — the Myanmar crisis and the South China Sea situation — during his meeting with Hegseth. 'Solutions to these two critical issues must be led and driven by ASEAN through an ASEAN-led and ASEAN-driven framework,' he said. Mohamed Khaled also stressed the importance of all parties upholding ASEAN's core values and principles to ensure the continued security, sovereignty, and stability of the region. Meanwhile, during the meeting, Hegseth highlighted common security challenges and reaffirmed the US' strong commitment to the region, according to a statement by Singapore's Defence Ministry. He said that the US believed in practical cooperation and strong partnerships underpinned by shared values.
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN-led Approach Vital To Myanmar's Peace, Says Thai Foreign Minister
He said ASEAN must continue its constructive engagement with Myanmar, noting that efforts spearheaded by Thailand, and Malaysia as ASEAN Chair 2025, have led to significant breakthrough despite the slow pace of mediation process with the junta. KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised that sustained, inclusive, and ASEAN-led mechanisms are crucial and must remain central in all diplomatic efforts to resolving the quagmire in Myanmar. The minister saw recent crackdowns on online scam syndicates operating in Myanmar and the aftermath of a recent earthquake as starting points to strengthen such negotiations. 'Thailand is trying to change the mindset, from a negative (perception) into positive collaboration,' he told Bernama in a special interview on the sideline of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits in the capital. He said Thailand has taken a constructive approach on Myanmar by engaging in meaningful dialogues. Maris highlighted a recent breakthrough in the mediation process that demonstrated ASEAN's resolve under Malaysia's leadership. 'This is the beginning of a platform where Myanmar and neighbouring countries can exchange ideas and work together to tackle such issues,' he said. 'Transnational crime is a major concern for Myanmar's neighbours, and addressing it requires active cooperation from Myanmar. He highlighted the participation of Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe in a virtual emergency meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in response to the earthquake. It marked the first time a Myanmar political leader participated in the regional bloc's meeting since the 2021 coup. Following the meeting, Mohamed and Maris jointly led a humanitarian mission to Nay Pyi Taw to assess the post-quake situation, where they also consulted with Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Than Shwe. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also initiated a meeting with Aung Hlaing and held an online dialogue with the National Unity Government Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann during his visit to Bangkok in April, marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. 'All these efforts are taken under the name of ASEAN. This is a breakthrough. We should keep this momentum, (open) opportunities for Myanmar to talk to us (ASEAN) constructively in order to bring about a durable solution in an ASEAN way,' Maris said. 'Of course, the problem has long history of difficulties, but I believe that this is the very beginning. It will take time, but we are hopeful that the positive outcome will emerge," he added. A military coup on February 1, 2021 ousted the democratically elected National Unity Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country, which was already embroiled in decades of turmoil, into deeper unrest. Over 6,000 lives have been reported lost to this ongoing armed conflict. A devastating earthquake on March 28, 2025, aggravated the crisis and prompted the junta to extend ceasefire until May 31 to facilitate relief efforts. For their part, ASEAN leaders have adopted a Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in April 2021 after the military coup to serve as primary framework to resolve the crisis. The consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar. Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta's continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a major concern in ASEAN's ongoing engagement with Myanmar. As the result, Myanmar leaders are barred from ASEAN summits and ministerial-levels meetings, with the country represented only by non-political officials. ASEAN leaders have repeatedly urged Myanmar to recommit to the 5PC, reiterating that the framework remains the central reference to restore peace and stability. Mohamad emphasised that full compliance with the 5PC is a prerequisite for holding elections in Myanmar, consistent with ASEAN's position that such discussions can only proceed after the consensus has been implemented. Mohamad said he planned to visit Myanmar to formally present a 'wish list' gathered from various stakeholders to the SAC. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN leaders pledge unity to ensure thriving community
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ASEAN Community, pledging to continue working together in maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability, as well as further development and growth in the region. This commitment aims to ensure that the ASEAN Community continues to thrive and remains adaptive and responsive to the impacts and inherent opportunities of existing and future megatrends, according to the declaration, which was adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit yesterday. The declaration, shared with the media today, noted that the leaders also agreed to strengthen efforts in upholding ASEAN centrality, as well as maintaining an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient and rules-based regional architecture that respects international law, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and broaden cooperation with ASEAN's external partners and to explore cooperation with other interested parties. This includes through substantive, practical and tangible cooperation on the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through ASEAN-led mechanisms. According to the declaration, ASEAN leaders will also strive to ensure the region's continued progress by reinforcing adherence to ASEAN's shared principles and commitments, strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination, and proactively responding to challenges and opportunities They decided to redouble their efforts to further enhance ASEAN Connectivity, including to advance the ASEAN Power Grid, energy interconnection and multilateral power trade, and narrow development gaps through inclusive, participatory, and equitable access to economic and socio-cultural opportunities. ASEAN leaders also agreed to foster a stronger ASEAN identity and promote greater people-to-people connectivity through education, cultural exchanges and social cooperation. They are committed to further ensuring the quality of life and well-being of ASEAN peoples, leaving no one behind, by strengthening social protection, enhancing health and nutrition, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and advancing quality education and skills development for a future-ready ASEAN workforce. The leaders also agreed to continue to integrate lessons learned in implementing ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together as ASEAN embarks on the next phase of its journey by realising ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and effectively further advance ASEAN Community-building in the next 20 years. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN Community was adopted in 2015, elevating the integration process in ASEAN by ensuring lasting peace, security and resilience across the region, pushing for a highly integrated and cohesive economy, and fostering a common identity across the peoples of ASEAN. Malaysia hosted the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27, under its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, with the overarching theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. The summit also saw the participation of ASEAN leaders and representatives from key dialogue partners in two high-level meetings -- the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit -- aimed at expanding regional and inter-regional cooperation.
