Asean Maritime Security Perspective: Enduring Partnership

Given with the uncertain state of contemporary maritime security, the international community must be committed to ensure freedom of navigation, peace and stability on the high seas. For this reason, both ASEAN and extra-regional powers are equally concerned with the maritime threats in the Southeast Asia Region. This paper examines the ASEAN’s maritime security initiatives and the roles that Australia
and India might play to enhance Southeast Asia’s maritime peace and stability. The adoption of ASEAN’s maritime security formulas, such as the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality, and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation will be assessed. More specifically, both the collaboration of the three regional components in such areas as counter-terrorism and regime support will be reviewed. The formation of coast guards by the littoral ASEAN state will be also be assessed as a particularly illuminating ‘case study’ of multilateral maritime security collaboration.. The chapter will also examine the modalities of ASEAN to cooperate with Australia and India to promote capacity building in maritime security. In conclusion, ASEAN’s concerted effort to cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships with geographically proximate and major maritime powers such as India and Australia, further contribute toward peace and security in Southeast Asia.