ASEAN to Hold First-Ever Joint Military Exercise in South China Sea

June 26, 2023

ASEAN, the Southeast Asian bloc, is set to make history by conducting its inaugural joint military exercise in the highly contested South China Sea. The decision was made during a meeting of military commanders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Indonesia. The exercise, scheduled for September, will specifically take place in the North Natuna Sea, which is located in the southernmost region of the South China Sea.

Strengthening ASEAN Centrality

The purpose of the joint military exercise is to reinforce “ASEAN centrality.” It aims to promote unity and cooperation among ASEAN member states, highlighting their collective strength and presence in the region. The exercise is expected to enhance coordination and preparedness among the participating countries.

Challenges to ASEAN Unity

ASEAN’s unity has been tested for years due to the rivalry between the United States and China, particularly in the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia, all ASEAN members, have competing claims with China in the disputed waters. This has led to tensions and disputes over territorial sovereignty, exacerbating the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.

South China Sea’s Significance

The South China Sea holds immense economic importance as an essential conduit for approximately $3.5 trillion of annual ship-borne trade. China, based on historic maps, claims sovereignty over the region through an expansive “nine-dash line.” However, an international arbitration court in 2016 ruled that this claim lacked a legal basis. The competing territorial claims and China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea have raised concerns among neighboring countries and sparked ongoing disputes.

ASEAN’s Push for a Maritime Code of Conduct

ASEAN has been advocating for the completion of a maritime code of conduct with China. The code aims to establish guidelines and regulations for managing disputes and ensuring peaceful resolutions in the South China Sea. It is seen as a crucial step towards maintaining stability and minimizing tensions in the region.

Incidents in the South China Sea

Several countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, India, and other ASEAN nations, have had confrontations with China in the South China Sea. These incidents range from territorial disputes to allegations of aggressive tactics by China’s coast guard. In response, countries like the Philippines have sought joint patrols with the United States to assert their claims and ensure the protection of their interests in the region.

Promoting Regional Stability

The joint military exercise by ASEAN in the South China Sea is a significant step towards promoting regional stability and security. It highlights the commitment of ASEAN member states to work together, despite their differences, to address common challenges and maintain peace in the region. The exercise also sends a strong message to external powers that ASEAN remains central in shaping the future of the South China Sea.

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