In a recent media interview in Melbourne, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his support for the potential inclusion of Australia as a member-state in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This statement came after Australia successfully hosted the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to commemorate their 50th anniversary of dialogue relations.
President Marcos Jr. welcomed the idea proposed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ebrahim, stating that he couldn’t see any reason why Australia shouldn’t become a member of ASEAN. He acknowledged Australia’s active participation in ASEAN and emphasized that they are already, in many ways, functioning as a member of the organization.
Australia became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner in 1974, and since then, it has considered ASEAN as a key trading partner. The country expects its two-way trade with the regional bloc to reach $400 billion by 2040, a significant increase from the $178 billion recorded in 2022.
The current ASEAN member-states consist of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Additionally, Timor Leste has been admitted “in principle” in 2022 as the organization’s 11th member, pending full membership.
ASEAN, established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration), has been a crucial platform for regional cooperation and integration. The organization aims to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in Southeast Asia.
The potential inclusion of Australia in ASEAN would have significant implications for both parties. Australia’s close economic ties with ASEAN member-states make it a natural candidate for membership. Furthermore, Australia’s participation in ASEAN would further enhance regional cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Australia’s interest in becoming a member of ASEAN is driven by its recognition of the region’s economic potential. With its rich resources and growing consumer markets, Southeast Asia presents numerous opportunities for trade and investment. By joining ASEAN, Australia would have a formal platform to engage with the region and foster deeper economic integration.
However, the inclusion of Australia in ASEAN also raises questions and considerations. The organization’s current members would need to assess the impact of Australia’s membership on ASEAN’s decision-making processes and regional dynamics. Additionally, Australia’s geographical location outside of Southeast Asia may pose challenges in terms of regional integration and connectivity.
It is important to note that the decision to include Australia in ASEAN ultimately lies with the member-states. Any potential expansion of the organization would require thorough deliberation and consensus among the existing members.
In conclusion, President Marcos Jr.’s support for Australia’s inclusion in ASEAN highlights the growing recognition of Australia’s role in the region. With its strong economic ties and active participation in ASEAN, Australia’s membership would further strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to the organization’s goals of peace, stability, and economic growth. However, the decision to include Australia ultimately rests with the ASEAN member-states, who will carefully consider the implications and benefits of such a move.
Source: The Manila Times