ASEAN leaders highlight that growing strategic mistrust among major powers is the primary threat to maritime security in Southeast Asia, as noted during the Munich Security Conference.
During the recent Munich Security Conference, Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary General of ASEAN, articulated that the escalating strategic mistrust among major powers represents the most significant threat to maritime security in Southeast Asia. This dynamic has transformed smaller nations into pawns within a larger geopolitical competition, exacerbated by the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where major players like China, the United States, and others vie for influence.
China's assertive claims over the islands and waters of the South China Sea have led to heightened tensions with several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei. Notably, the relationship between China and the Philippines has seen a marked deterioration in recent years, sometimes culminating in confrontational incidents at sea. These developments are occurring amid what has been described as a fierce struggle for maritime dominance, placing smaller ASEAN nations in precarious positions as they navigate the interests of larger powers.
Furthermore, the geopolitical context indicates that as the United States increases its presence in the region to counter China's advancements, the risk of miscalculations or accidental confrontations rises. This situation underscores the necessity for cooperation and dialogue among ASEAN countries and major powers to enhance maritime security and stability, highlighting the organization's pivotal role in fostering diplomatic relationships and conflict resolution mechanisms in the region.
