Asean

Under Pressure: ASEAN and the Challenge of Maintaining Harmony in the South China Sea

Una delle maggiori rotte commerciali al mondo e ricchissima di risorse marine e minerali, quest’area ricopre un’importanza geostrategica ed economica incredibile

By Walter Minutella

In a world where the economy drives the global system, each actor seeks increasingly significant influence. The pillars supporting this economic system can be identified in two key elements: trade and resources. In this dynamic context, the South China Sea emerges as a region holding both factors.

The South China Sea is a strategically important maritime region bordering numerous countries, including several ASEAN members such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei. The remaining actors in the area are China and Taiwan. Given its status as one of the world's major trade routes and rich in marine and mineral resources, including oil, this area holds incredible geostrategic and economic importance, making it a tension-rich zone.

In this context, ASEAN has been crucial in promoting stability and cooperation in the Asian region since its establishment. This is attributed to its philosophy, known as the "ASEAN Way," which has fostered an environment where member nations collaborate to address common challenges. 

The ASEAN Way is a diplomatic approach based on principles such as unanimous decision-making, non-interference in internal affairs, cultural sensitivity, gradualism, and flexibility. This model aims to promote peaceful cooperation among member states, avoiding open conflict and encouraging harmonious coexistence. However, it has faced criticism for its tendency to delay assertive decisions in complex situations, such as those in the South China Sea.

Within the context of disputes in the South China Sea, ASEAN has grappled with complex tensions. Historically, the situation in this area has been intricate. Until 1984, original ASEAN member states shared an anti-communist stance, reflecting suspicion toward Chinese expansionism. The admission of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia changed the political and economic dynamics of the region. These new members, with deep economic ties to China, gradually influenced how ASEAN addresses tensions, weakening the initial distrust.

Despite ASEAN's success in maintaining peace in a historically turbulent region, its response to South China Sea disputes has been less assertive. Due to the unanimity principle in the ASEAN Way, finding solutions that meet all needs was challenging. However, recent developments show actions by ASEAN states, both individually and collectively, aimed at establishing greater peace and stability in the region.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling in The Hague was a crucial moment in resolving territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly between China and the Philippines. The Court rejected China's territorial claims based on the "Nine-Dash Line," a unilaterally drawn map asserting sovereignty over much of the South China Sea.

The Court's decision acknowledged the Philippines' right to pursue resources in its exclusive waters, rejecting Chinese claims restricting access and use of natural resources in the region. This verdict marked a significant turning point, emphasizing the validity of maritime claims based on international law, in contrast to China's unilateral positions.

In recent years, due to these disputes, Vietnam has expressed growing concerns about Beijing's actions in the South China Sea. Specifically, worries involve various incidents such as the construction of military infrastructure in the Paracel Islands, manoeuvres to hinder Vietnamese oil exploration, and fishing activity restrictions.

In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) declared the continuation of efforts to implement the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. The persistent commitment reflects ASEAN's desire to establish a normative and diplomatic framework to manage tensions in the region, fostering peace and stability. However, a clear common position within ASEAN remains lacking, highlighting internal contrasts among member states and the complex mechanism behind these statements.

Nevertheless, the recent statements by ASEAN foreign ministers released in late December 2023 have gained significant importance as the first standalone communication from ASEAN on the South China Sea issue. In these declarations, the commitment to peace in the South China Sea is reiterated, expressing concern about recent developments. They emphasize the need to resolve disputes peacefully, fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC), and swiftly work towards a COC in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. The ministers aim to promote dialogue as a tool for regional stability.

Despite the somewhat delayed response, the statements express strong concerns about recent tensions, such as those between China and the Philippines, especially around the submerged feature of Second Thomas Shoal. Specifically, China has taken actions perceived by the Philippines as aggressive, hindering Filipino forces from resupplying an anchored ship, while China argues the legitimacy of its actions based on the "Nine-Dash Line." According to China, these actions represent necessary security measures to protect its national interests in the region. 

The united response from ASEAN foreign ministers sends a strong signal of cohesion and solidarity in addressing internal and international disputes. However, some observers argue that a statement alone is not sufficient, and more must be done to effectively address the delicate challenges in the South China Sea.

Indeed, a few months later, ASEAN continued its commitment to seeking greater stability in the region. During the first week of March 2024, at the special summit between ASEAN members and Australia in Melbourne, the Australian government praised ASEAN members' efforts to delineate their maritime boundaries and decided to allocate over $40 million for maritime security in the South China Sea. The funding was announced during the fiftieth anniversary of the dialogic partnership between the two parties. 

The ASEAN-Australia joint statement is another step towards regional collaboration. However, it remains to be seen whether this financial commitment will significantly contribute to tension resolution, and ASEAN might be called upon to play a more active role in promoting stability in the region.

It remains to be seen how ASEAN will evolve in managing the complex dynamics of the South China Sea. It is worth mentioning the minilateral initiatives adopted by some member states, as highlighted by recent dynamics between the Philippines and Vietnam. The two nations have recently signed a cooperation agreement between their respective coast guards. This memorandum of understanding aims to reduce the risk of operations in contested waters and represents a significant step toward joint tension management. This initiative demonstrates how member countries, even bilaterally, are actively seeking pragmatic solutions to promote peace and stability in the region.

China's role in ASEAN trade

In recent years, Beijing and Southeast Asian countries have signed a series of economic cooperation agreements

Editorial by Lorenzo Riccardi, Managing Partner RsA Asia

Beijing's role in Asia is promoted through the volume of trade and the number of bilateral and multilateral agreements. In the Asia-Pacific region, China has signed 42 double taxation agreements, ten free trade agreements, and has promoted multilateral free trade agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) nations, Gulf economies (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), and Northeast Asian countries (Japan and Korea). The number of tax treaties, investment agreements, and free trade agreements is proportionally much higher in the neighboring countries of the Eastern area compared to other regions of the planet. This determines an accelerated trend in economic relations, especially with the primary trading partner: the ASEAN bloc. To strengthen the trade partnership, China and ASEAN have signed a series of agreements on economic cooperation over the past 20 years. These include a comprehensive agreement on global economic cooperation between ASEAN and China in 2002, the establishment of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) implemented in several phases between 2005 and 2010, the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in force since 2008, an ASEAN-China investment agreement in 2009, the ASEAN-Hong Kong SAR China Free Trade Agreement in force since 2019, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership signed in 2020, and the free trade agreement with Cambodia in force since 2022. Beijing has also signed mutual visa exemption agreements between 2023 and 2024 with Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. A visa-on-arrival procedure is expected for Chinese citizens traveling to Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and Myanmar, and a simplified e-visa procedure for Vietnam. Among the ASEAN countries, only the Philippines require advance visas for Chinese visitors. In China-ASEAN trade, Kuala Lumpur is the largest exporter with USD 102 billion in data from Chinese customs in 2023 (almost four times the volume of Italian exports to China), while Hanoi is the largest importer of Chinese products with about USD 137 billion. ASEAN and Beijing grow beyond the global average, and China has its primary trading partner in Southeast Asia with USD 911 billion in trade in December 2023, surpassing the aggregated import and export volume recorded by the People's Republic with the European Union (USD 783 billion) and the United States (USD 664 billion).

Demographic trends in Southeast Asia

Addressing challenges related to urbanization, gender equity, and internal migration shifts will be crucial in shaping Southeast Asia's future

By Walter Minutella

In the lively and culturally rich region of Southeast Asia, known for its rapidly expanding economies, demographic challenges are emerging. While major powers like China, Japan, and South Korea are struggling with alarming population declines, an interesting opportunity arises for Southeast Asia. For instance, in 2024, China continued its downward trend with a mortality rate surpassing the birth rate, resulting in a population decrease of over 2 million. China also faces the issue of an increasingly ageing population, similar to Japan, one of the highest globally. However, attention must also be given to Southeast Asian countries, as they play a crucial role in the global demographic context. While Asian giants deal with declining birth rates and an ageing population, a closer look at demographic trends in Southeast Asian countries reveals a story of growth and transformation.

Examining the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), one of the five regional economic commissions reporting to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, we observe that, contrary to major Asian countries, Southeast Asia is experiencing a significant demographic improvement.

This favourable trend is primarily the result of various significant elements occurring in this specific region. Influenced by political strategies related to urban development, economic expansion, and infrastructure improvement, efforts have facilitated notable progress, including the current life expectancy of 73.2 years at birth, with projections indicating it will rise to nearly 78 by 2050.

Demographic data also highlight the favourable median age of the population, currently just above 29 years. Considering a birth rate exceeding 2, it becomes evident that the Southeast Asian region anticipates strong demographic growth in the coming years.

Naturally, the regional perspective does not align perfectly with all ASEAN countries. Within the socioeconomic landscapes of Southeast Asia, some countries experience significant demographic growth, while others face challenges similar to Eastern nations, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. This phenomenon is closely tied to a series of factors emphasising the unique characteristics of each nation.

Indonesia, with its expansive geography and rich cultural heritage, undergoes continuous demographic growth. Family planning initiatives and prioritising education, especially in rural areas, play a fundamental role in fostering an increase in fertility rates.

The Philippines, with its rich blend of cultural influences and diverse economic conditions, increasingly adopt policies promoting gender equality and improving access to healthcare, generating significant demographic growth. This unique combination of factors contributes to maintaining a remarkable birth rate.

Thailand, facing rapid population ageing, seeks to manage this demographic transition through policies aiming to support families, with a particular focus on balancing work and family life. 

Malaysia, on the other hand, grapples with changes in family dynamics and economic pressures, partly due to accelerated urbanisation in recent years. Therefore, work-family balance policies are crucial to adapt to these transformations.

However, in the context of these demographic dynamics in the Southeast Asian region, it's crucial to note the cases of Singapore and Vietnam, facing unique challenges. 

Despite Singapore's historic policy of recruiting foreign workers to support economic growth, it grapples with the complexities of a demographic inversion. According to government reports, a quarter of Singapore's population will be over 65 by 2030. The accelerated ageing of the "super-aged" population and declining fertility rates pose a threat to Singapore's social and economic fabric, further accentuated by the need to attract and retain healthcare personnel, as highlighted by recent financial incentives for nurses who often migrate for higher compensation.

Vietnam, known for its rapid economic progress, stands out for improvements in living conditions and a growing urbanisation process. These factors, along with policies supporting family planning and ensuring equitable access to education, converge to support balanced demographic growth. However, despite Vietnam's positive outlook, it's projected that the number of individuals over 60 will triple before 2050. With a birth rate that has declined from 6.5 decades ago to 2 currently, Vietnam may face a significant demographic decline, reaching just over 70 million inhabitants by 2100, compared to the current over 100 million. Consequently, the Vietnamese government is actively intervening to economically support large families, seeking to stimulate an increase in the birth rate.

Thoroughly analysing the demographic, economic, and social policies of each country is essential to fully understand the reasons behind these demographic trends and anticipate their future impacts in the complex Southeast Asian region. According to experts, family support policies, access to education, and job opportunities will significantly influence the region's demographic direction. Furthermore, managing challenges related to urbanisation, gender equality, and internal migration will be crucial in shaping the future of Southeast Asia.

It can be inferred that Southeast Asia presents a complex variety of demographic scenarios, each with its own peculiarities. Carefully monitoring these dynamics and understanding the socio-economic context of each country is essential to accurately outline the demographic future of this region, which is gaining increasing importance in the global scenario and currently appears to be on a rising trajectory with promising future prospects.

One trip, three destinations

Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam aim to maximize tourism revenues by offering a "tri-country" package

By Tommaso Magrini

The leaders of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are making a big effort to encourage more international tourists to visit their three countries in one trip. In what is being billed as a unique and seamless travel experience, the premiers have raised this initiative -- dubbed "One Journey, Three Destinations" -- several times in recent months during their meetings on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta and the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the country will go further by hosting a conference involving tourism ministers from the three countries to develop the joint effort. Many travel agencies have already been conducting these so-called "tri-country" tours for some time. The three countries, which share borders, have complementary strengths to offer a diverse experience for travelers as they offer a blend of historical, cultural and natural heritages. Landlocked Laos is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and vibrant cultural heritage. Cambodia boasts ancient temples and spiritual riches, while Vietnam offers a mix of vibrant cities and natural wonders set in serene countryside and the country's long coastline. Industry players said the visa issue remains one of the obstacles to overcome for the success of this tourism push between the three countries. The three governments call for a more streamlined visa process, including mutual recognition of visas, standardization of visa application procedures, unification of fees, and use of shared databases for information exchange. Since 2012, for example, Cambodia and Thailand have instituted a system that allows tourists to visit both countries with a single visa. A precedent that may soon be copied.

L’AUSTRALIA PUNTA SULL’ASEAN

Pubblichiamo qui uno stralcio del discorso della Ministra degli Esteri Penny Wong al summit di Melbourne tra Australia e ASEAN

Quando l’ASEAN era ancora agli albori, circa cinquant’anni fa, il nostro visionario Primo Ministro Gough Whitlam riconobbe che l’ASEAN era già centrale nella gestione delle sfide della regione, e capì che lo sarebbe diventata sempre di più. Per questo motivo, si impegnò con entusiasmo a favore dell’ASEAN e ben presto l’Australia divenne il primo paese non membro a stabilire relazioni formali, quando il Primo Ministro Whitlam firmò per l’Australia come primo partner di dialogo dell’ASEAN. Il Primo Ministro Whitlam sapeva che, sebbene gran parte della nostra storia fosse in Europa, la nostra casa e il nostro futuro sono nella nostra regione. Ha riconosciuto il ruolo che il Sud-Est asiatico avrebbe avuto nel destino dell’Australia e del mondo. A sua volta, Whitlam vedeva l’Australia come “un vero partecipante al destino della regione”. E, come sempre, pensando al futuro, disse: “Non si può tornare indietro da questo impegno”. In effetti, è stato dimostrato che aveva ragione. E il nostro impegno è cresciuto fino a diventare un Partenariato strategico globale tra l’ASEAN e l’Australia, la formalizzazione dell’impegno permanente dell’Australia nei confronti della centralità dell’ASEAN. La formalizzazione di una verità che l’Australia non solo riconosce, ma abbraccia: condividiamo una regione e un futuro. Siamo legati dalla geografia che il destino ha scelto per noi e siamo rafforzati dal partenariato che abbiamo scelto per noi stessi. Le nostre nazioni e i nostri popoli si arricchiscono con gli scambi commerciali. Le nostre nazioni e i nostri popoli beneficiano della pace, della stabilità e della sicurezza che costruiamo insieme. La nostra fede nel successo condiviso è alla base dell’impegno dell’Australia per un maggiore partenariato economico. Abbiamo tutti la responsabilità di plasmare la regione che vogliamo condividere: pacifica, stabile e prospera. I nostri partenariati di difesa di lunga data nella regione, anche con gli Stati membri dell’ASEAN, non costruiscono solo interoperabilità, ma anche amicizia e comprensione. I Paesi della nostra regione dipendono dagli oceani, dai mari e dai fiumi per il loro sostentamento e per il commercio, comprese le rotte marittime libere e aperte nel Mar Cinese Meridionale. Per questo sono lieta di annunciare che nei prossimi quattro anni stanzieremo altri 64 milioni di dollari, di cui 40 milioni di dollari di nuovi finanziamenti, per potenziare i partenariati marittimi australiani nel Sud-Est asiatico. Sono inoltre lieta di annunciare un ulteriore stanziamento di 222,5 milioni di dollari per sostenere la resilienza nella subregione del Mekong. Una seconda fase del Partenariato Mekong-Australia porterà investimenti nella sicurezza idrica, nella resilienza ai cambiamenti climatici, nella lotta alla criminalità transnazionale e nel rafforzamento della leadership subregionale.

Waste becomes a source of energy

Circular economy projects multiply in Southeast Asian countries

By Tommaso Magrini

As Southeast Asia's growing population generates more and more waste, the use of waste as an energy source is making headway, with Japanese companies and their incineration know-how leading the way. A waste incineration plant in Singapore's southwestern district, Tuas, is already able to process about 35 percent of the garbage generated daily by the city-state. About 500 to 600 garbage trucks transport waste 24 hours a day to the plant, whose power generation capacity reaches 120 megawatts. In 2022, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced that it had purchased all the shares of TuasOne, operator of the waste-to-energy plant. In 2022, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced that it had purchased all the shares of TuasOne, operator of the waste-to-energy plant. TuasOne was a joint venture between Hyflux, a major Singaporean water treatment company that has since collapsed, and Mitsubishi Heavy, which transformed TuasOne into a wholly owned company. Mitsubishi Heavy has designed and built four waste-to-energy plants in Singapore and claims to have the most extensive track record in the industry in Southeast Asia. A consortium led by Singapore's government-affiliated conglomerate Keppel has also received orders to design and build waste-to-energy plants in the country, which can also generate electricity using the heat produced during incineration. Indian research firm Mordor Intelligence predicts that the waste-to-energy market in Southeast Asia will grow from $3.3 billion in 2023 to $6.1 billion in 2028, an increase of about 80%. Plans to establish at least six such plants in Malaysia have been initiated between 2020 and 2021, and all are expected to be completed by 2025. In Thailand, construction of a plant began in 2020 to incinerate about 144,000 tons of waste per year and generate 6 megawatts of energy.

ASEAN and minilateral diplomacy

According to Richard Heydarian of the University of the Philippines, cooperation among member countries is also useful at the bilateral or trilateral level

During a state visit to Vietnam a few weeks ago, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an agreement to expand bilateral cooperation on maritime security. The two governments signaled that they will work more closely together to protect common interests in the South China Sea, especially with their coast guard forces. The announcement followed a similar face-to-face on security cooperation earlier in Manila between Marcos and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who also made stops in Vietnam and Brunei. "These visits are more than symbolic," argues Richard Heydarian, senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines' Asia Center, in a commentary published in Nikkei Asia in recent days. According to Heydarian, considering the fact that ASEAN focuses on decision-making by consensus, "the bloc has sometimes been slow and unresponsive to major crises in its own backyard." In this context, Heydarian argues that "minilateral" cooperation among key members with common strategic interests "has the potential to make Southeast Asia a much more effective force in the Indo-Pacific region." Not a replacement for the bloc's role, but an extension and perhaps an enhancement of it. The expert commentary reads, "Although the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are developing nations with relatively limited military capabilities, the trio can collectively contribute to ASEAN's centrality in shaping the regional security architecture and with greater strategic coordination." This year has already begun as a productive one for ASEAN minilateralism. Under strategic cooperation, Hanoi and Manila will collaborate on infrastructure development and co-production of batteries for electric vehicles, tapping the Philippines' large reserves of copper, nickel and cobalt. Vietnam in particular is the source of about 90 percent of the Philippines' rice imports. Later this year, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan are likely to join Vietnam for the annual Marpolex marine pollution exercise. Thus, minilateralism can also be useful in other areas besides security, according to Heydarian.

ASEAN towards a solar boom

Due to the presence of renewable natural resources, Southeast Asia has ample room for growth in renewable energy production

By Tommaso Magrini

Southeast Asia wants to triple renewable energy production, in line with last year's UN commitment. And to do so it will probably receive a boost from China's record solar installations, which added 216.9 gigawatts of solar power in 2023, surpassing the 175.2 gigawatts generated in the United States, the world's second largest solar energy market. The sharp increase has encouraged a drop in renewable equipment prices, helping the rest of Asia. The result is that China has significantly more solar module export capacity in 2024 and 2025, and the resulting global oversupply is driving module prices down dramatically. "This is increasing the commercial profitability of solar energy compared to alternative sources of electricity, both within China and in the wider and global Asian markets," said the experts interviewed by the South China Morning Post. Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore are accelerating renewable energy capacity in line with their net zero emissions targets by 2050 or 2060, but have found it difficult to reduce their reliance on coal and gas. The challenges for other Asian countries are "very different" from China's due to lack of access to financing and inadequate grid infrastructure and battery storage systems.Nevertheless due to the presence of renewable natural resources, Southeast Asia has a wide allowance of growth in the production of renewable energy. China is developing and financing solar power projects in the region. These include the 2.2-gigawatt Mekong River Floating Solar Project in Thailand, the 168-megawatt Don Sahong Dam Solar Project in Laos, and the 140-megawatt Cirata Floating Solar Project in Indonesia.

ASEAN and India, the bond grows stronger

Association secretary general's trip to New Delhi brings bloc closer to Asian giant

At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of India, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, paid a working visit to India from Feb. 12-15, 2024. February. The purpose of the visit was to further advance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSC) by reactivating engagements across the spectrum of ASEAN's three community pillars and promoting ASEAN diplomacy and visibility in India. Rooted in centuries of civil ties, maritime connectivity and cross-cultural exchanges, the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continued to gain momentum. During the visit, India reaffirmed to the ASEAN Secretary-General its commitment to work with ASEAN and its partners in support of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. India expressed its unwavering support for the centrality of ASEAN and the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Perspectives (AOIP) as the principle and framework for promoting cooperation in the region. The visit highlighted India's position as ASEAN's eighth largest trading partner, with total trade of $113.08 billion, accounting for 2.94 percent of ASEAN's total trade. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment flows from India to ASEAN totaled $0.68 billion in 2022. To further maximize the potential of ASEAN-India economic cooperation while at the same time geo-economic uncertainties, the ASEAN Secretary-General has communicated to India the need for both sides to further increase trade and investment including through full and effective utilization of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), early utilization of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), early conclusion of the ASEAN-India Agreement on Trade in Goods (AITIGA) review negotiations, and India's potential participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Meanwhile, in the tourism sector, discussions during the visit noted a significant increase in the number of visitor arrivals from India to ASEAN to 2.38 million by 2022. This reflects the positive signs of the post-COVID-19 recovery, which is expected to further benefit both sides through the development of sustainable tourism and collaboration on marketing initiatives to present ASEAN as a unique tourism destination for the Indian market.

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Artificial intelligence according to ASEAN

ASEAN published a guidebook on artificial intelligence in early February, titled AI Governance and Ethics. We publish an excerpt of it here

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the discipline that makes analytical machines intelligent, enabling an organization to function appropriately and forward-looking. Unlike other technologies, some forms of AI adapt itself, learning with use, so the decisions it makes today may be different from those it will make tomorrow. AI and automation are hot topics, both for their transformative potential and their ability to introduce new opportunities, disrupting old patterns. Southeast Asia is no exception. AI systems should be treated differently from other software systems because of their unique characteristics and risks. The capabilities of AI systems fueled by evolving techniques and discoveries are rapidly outpacing monitoring and validation tools. AI development is also decentralized due to low barriers to entry and the proliferation of open-source technologies. Given the profound impact AI can have on ASEAN organizations and individuals, it is important that decisions made by AI are aligned with national and corporate values, as well as broader ethical values. In this context, ASEAN Digital Ministers identified the Enabling Action that suggests the development and adoption of a regional policy to provide guidance for best practices on AI Governance and Ethics. In recent years, governments and international organizations have begun issuing principles, frameworks, and recommendations on AI ethics and governance. Examples include the Model AI Governance Framework1 and the OECD Council Recommendation on AI2. However, there is still no common intergovernmental standard for AI that defines the principles of AI governance and provides guidance for policy makers in AI. In the process of drafting this Guide, existing AI frameworks and guidelines, such as the UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics and the EU Ethical Guidelines for Trustworthy AI, were considered. The ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics aims to empower organizations and governments in the region to design, develop, and implement mainstream AI systems responsibly and to increase user confidence in AI.

Click here to read the full guide

ASEAN initiatives towards a digital future

The Southeast Asian bloc continues to work to chart its path to a sustainable digital future through bold projects and technological advancements

Articolo di Walter Minutella

In this modern era, technology is playing an increasingly essential role for all globally relevant figures, playing a significant part in various areas, and is crucial for the economic development of modern industries as well as their impact on global competition, improving as well as the quality of life of individuals.

With the increasingly interconnected landscape that characterizes today's world, ASAN countries are adapting to the technological revolution encountering multiple obstacles, including the need to deal with ever-increasing digitalisation, to promote the training of digital skills and to guarantee a reliable connectivity. Within this specific framework, ASEAN has continuously worked to chart its path towards a sustainable digital future, through bold projects and technological advancements.

COVID-19 has certainly made an essential contribution in accelerating the process of social digitalisation, demonstrating the usefulness of IT skills and the importance of a suitable learning ecosystem. In an effort to improve the technical skills of its citizens, the ASEAN Action Plan commits to making digital technologies accessible across all sectors.

A clear example of this progress is the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) project which was launched in 2018. The goal of this initiative is to foster synergy between ASEAN cities through the use of modern technologies to address challenges shared. ASCN's priority is the promotion of intelligent mobility through the use of electric vehicles, as well as the conscious use of renewable energy resources to minimize negative effects on the environment.

At the periodic meeting of the ASCN, we dedicate ourselves to diligently examining these issues and emphasizing firm commitment to the advancement of the project. The Indonesian Minister of Internal Affairs during his participation in the sixth ASCN meeting held in Bali recently, emphasized the importance of continuing to implement Smart Cities to address the challenges related to urbanization and development in tune with global changes, and the need to build a solid foundation to face the era of industry 4.0.

During the meeting, Indonesia was praised for its commitment to the project and three fundamental points were highlighted to improve the results of the activities promoted by ASCN: knowledge sharing, cooperation in urban planning and the promotion of partnerships . In addition to this, the topic of including additional actors in the project to expand the ASCN membership was addressed.

Another significant project is the Digitalization Initiative which involves close collaboration between ASEAN countries in order to implement common policies aimed at the digital transformation of the region. Member States are working to promote the spread of new technologies such as AI, IoT (Internet of Things) and blockchain which have already achieved widespread adoption on a global scale. In order to implement this, ASEAN fosters synergy between the public and private sectors, is committed to developing the digital skills of the workforce and is active in promoting technological innovation with equitable access to all citizens. This project aims to decrease the digital divide that occurs between various geographical areas within ASEAN, as well as foster the inclusion of digital technologies across the entire community.

The “Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025” occupies a central position in these recent innovations. This project aims to enhance infrastructure connectivity in the region through improvements to transport, energy and communications networks. The main focus of the project concerns the enhancement of digital connectivity, with particular attention to the development of digitally advanced infrastructures such as fast broadband networks and integrated technological platforms. The goal is to stimulate integration in the region to foster sustainable economic growth.

In the context of the development of cutting-edge digital infrastructure, the recent extension of the relationship between ASEAN and the Chinese technology giant Huawei should be highlighted. This relationship is based on a strong mutual commitment to promoting sustainable technological development in the area.

To highlight youth talent, the ASEAN Foundation has worked together with Huawei in programs such as ASEAN Seeds for the Future, which aims to build an inclusive digital ecosystem, focusing on developing local ICT talent and promoting participation in the digital society. The renewal of the contract is a clear testimony of ASEAN's commitment to sustainability, especially regarding the growth of next-generation networks. The main feature of the cooperation with Huawei lies in pursuing sustainable digital growth, paying attention to its impacts on both an environmental and social level.

It is clear that ASEAN, on an international level, is making its way in the field of technological innovation, becoming an important protagonist. Today's landscape is characterized by ambitious projects, international collaborations and efforts to develop digital skills.

Although it concerns only a small fragment of this vast reality, the Huawei affair highlights the importance of considering global events in the context of regional initiatives to fully understand ASEAN's role and impact in the digital age.

ASEAN and EU strengthen relations

The two blocs held their 24th ministerial meeting in Brussels, agreeing to intensify relations

At the 24th ASEAN-EU ministerial meeting held in Brussels on Feb. 2, it was agreed to further intensify trade and investment relations between the countries. "We were encouraged by the strong economic cooperation between ASEAN and the EU, which is ASEAN's third largest foreign investor and third largest trading partner in 2022, and reaffirmed our commitment to use this positive momentum to further intensify trade and investment relations between ASEAN and the EU," reads the joint ministerial statement issued on Saturday, Feb. 3. At the meeting, attended by foreign ministers from ASEAN and EU member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Commission, as well as Timor-Leste as an ASEAN observer, ASEAN reiterated the importance of finding solutions to long-standing market access problems. Both sides also welcome opportunities to increase trade and investment through bilateral free trade agreements, strengthen connectivity and economic relations between the two regions, and enhance sustainable development for both sides, such as through the ASEAN-EU Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWG). "We will intensify our engagement on trade and economic issues and explore other venues in the short and medium term to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as the digital economy, green technologies and services, sustainable production and consumption of raw materials, and supply chain resilience, while reaffirming a future ASEAN-EU free trade agreement as a common long-term goal," the communiqué reads. In addition, during the meeting chaired by Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell, ASEAN and the EU reaffirmed the shared values and common interests that have underpinned the 47-year ASEAN-EU dialogue relationship and expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive and diverse nature of the dynamic partnerships. They also reaffirmed the strategic partnership and common interest in keeping the regions peaceful, stable and prosperous, upholding and respecting international law and the international order based on rules and adherence to international law, and maintaining peace, security and stability, including through such measures as the promotion and protection of human rights, including for people with disabilities, gender equality and fundamental freedoms.

Click here to read the communiqué in full