ASEAN Centrality in Indo-Pacific Trade: Vis-à-vis the US, China and India

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, the Indo-Pacific region has become a region of intense economic and strategic rivalry in the world. In this dynamic geopolitical environment, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands at a central place because of its strategic location, increasing economic power, and institutionalization in the governance of the region. The paper focuses on the idea of ASEAN centrality in Indo-Pacific trade specifically on the rivalry and collaboration roles of the United States, China and India. It examines the effort by ASEAN to stay relevant and independent in the face of increasing competition between the major powers. The paper states that ASEAN plays a significant role in advancing multilateralism, regional connectivity, and economic integration via the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), ASEAN-led forums, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The paper also examines the rising economic involvement in China by the Belt and road initiative and trade integration, the strategic and economic efforts of the US as part of the Indo-Pacific framework and the increasing role of India by the Act East Policy. Although China is still the biggest trading partner of ASEAN, the United States and India are offering ASEAN with strategic options that will enable it to maintain a balanced regional order. The paper posits that the centrality of ASEAN remains a stabilizing force in Indo-Pacific trade despite the internal division, maritime disputes, and great-power rivalry. The capacity of ASEAN to be neutral, inclusive and collaborative through consensus has been critical towards stability and economic development in the region. The paper concludes that the future relevance of ASEAN will be pegged on increasing regional cohesiveness, economic and institutional flexibility in the face of an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific order.