Indonesia and Vietnam: The Quest for ASEAN Leadership
Indonesia has been considered as the de facto leader of the ASEAN based on historical assumptions; however, the current COVID-19 pandemic has exposed Indonesia’s weakness regarding its role as a regional leader. On the other hand, Vietnam has been making great strides in projecting itself as an effective leader, particularly with its critical and long-standing engagements against and with China and its proactive governance in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/indonesia-and-vietnam-the-quest-for-asean-leadership/