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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Chua, Daniel, editor, writer of added commentary. |
Lim, Eddie Meng Chong, editor, writer of added commentary.
Title:ASEAN 50: Regional Security Cooperation through Selected Documents /
[edited by] Daniel Wei Boon Chua, Eddie Lim.
Other titles: ASEAN fifty
Description: New Jersey : World Scientific, [2017] | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017028441 | ISBN 9789813221130 (hardcover)
Subjects: LCSH: ASEAN--History--Sources. | National security--Southeast Asia--History--Sources. |
Southeast Asia--Politics and government--1945---Sources.|
Southeast Asia--Foreign relations--Sources.
Classification: LCC DS520.4 A84 2017 | DDC 355/.0610959--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017028441
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Copyright 2018 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
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Contents
Preface
The intent of this book is two-fold. First, it sets out to update a previously unpublished compilation of key documents related to the formation and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) titled ASEAN 1967 to 1999: A Documentary History by Ang Cheng Guan and Eddie Lim. The volume has been distributed by the authors to schools in Singapore and remains an invaluable resource for educators teaching Southeast Asian history. We thank Ang Cheng Guan for allowing the use of significant parts of ASEAN 1967 to 1999 in this version. Beyond updating the documents up to 2017, we have also decided to place emphasis on ASEAN documents that have an impact on the security of Southeast Asia. This decision is necessary to keep the current volume from being overly hefty and reflects the authors area of expertise.
Second, this book aims to join with other publications related to ASEAN to commemorate the jubilee of the Associations formation. Fifty years after its founding in 1967, ASEAN has grown from five members to the current 10. Along the way, ASEAN has remained relevant and crucial for the peace and stability of Southeast Asia. By compiling key official ASEAN documents related to security, this book aims to be a resource for scholars and officials studying ASEANs contribution towards a safe and prosperous Southeast Asia. The ASEAN Secretariat regularly publishes entire collections of key ASEAN for granting us the use of these documents for this book. The selected documents in this collection are worth reading in their own right, but we hope to give general readers some context by including a brief commentary at the beginning of every chapter.
The publication of this book would not have been possible without the support of key individuals. Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, the Executive Deputy Chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and former Secretary-General of ASEAN, advised us on the scope of the project, assisted with the process of acquiring permissions for the use of the ASEAN documents, and penned the Foreword of this book. Ang Cheng Guan and Adrian Tan Tai Loon reviewed the manuscript and offered critical comments for the improvement of this volume. Hannah Goh collated the documents at the early stages of the project. Their contributions have enhanced the book immeasurably. Nevertheless, all shortcomings are ours alone. Karimah Samsudin from World Scientific Publishing has been longsuffering when we experienced delays. We thank Karimah for her professionalism and grace.
Foreword
In inter-state relations, agreements and treaties are very important. These documents lay down the procedures and rules in managing or solving issues and problems among states. They also reveal new initiatives to deal with perceived common challenges faced by the participating states. Beyond the formal documents which may or may not be legally binding on the signatories, there are also declaratory statements and media releases. They usually provide information on the internal working and the considerations in treating the subject under scrutiny. They show the dynamics among the parties involved.
ASEAN, as a regional grouping of Southeast Asian countries, is no different from other international organisations or regional bodies. Documents and declaratory statements form a substantial part of ASEAN development and rule-making. They shed light on policy thinking and options available to tackle emerging challenges. The rights and obligations of ASEAN member states are illustrated through the documents that result from long periods of discussion. ASEANs capability and diplomacy can be seen through such documents.
It is fortunate that ASEAN decided from its beginning to use English as the working language for the organisation. By relying on English alone, ASEAN does not have to divert significant resources for interpretation and translation. At the same time, it means ASEAN documents have taken considerable time to settle. After finishing the documents, it requires tremendous efforts to take them to the ground where it is time-consuming to relate them to the people. Hence, the oft-repeated point that ASEAN citizens do not appreciate what is happening in ASEAN holds true.
Studying the relevant documents is an enriching exercise. In this case, the focus on security cooperation is particularly germane. Geopolitics in the region has changed. These changes have an impact on the notion of ASEAN centrality. The ASEAN role in regional security cooperation seems to have been undermined. It is necessary, therefore, to have a fuller understanding of how ASEAN can undertake security cooperation, and ensure peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
What is ASEAN centrality? The ASEAN geography places it in the middle of the East-West trade and shipping routes. More than US$5.3 trillion of the worlds maritime trade passes through Southeast Asia. ASEAN is in a position to protect or disrupt this great volume of transactions. ASEANs relations with major powers that possess significant interests in this region need to be positive and mutually beneficial. The centrality of ASEAN originates from the desire of ASEAN member states to put the interests of ASEAN at the forefront of engagements with external parties, especially major powers. In other words, national egos have to give way to a regional ego.
