AUKUS Makes ASEAN a Battlefield with China

AUKUS Makes ASEAN a Battlefield with China

by.

Hendrikus Franz Josef, M.Si,

(International Relations Observer, CEO The Hendrikus Center,

https://www.youtube.com/@thehendrikuscenter2794)

The recent announcement of the AUKUS alliance between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia has raised concerns among countries in the Southeast Asian region, particularly the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The alliance aims to enhance security cooperation among the three countries, with a focus on countering China's increasing military presence and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. While the move has been welcomed by some, it has also raised fears that ASEAN could become a battlefield in the escalating tensions between the US-led alliance and China.

ASEAN has long sought to maintain a neutral stance in the rivalry between the US and China, preferring to pursue a policy of engagement with both powers. However, the AUKUS alliance has threatened to upset this delicate balance, with some analysts warning that it could lead to a new arms race in the region. China, which views the alliance as a provocative move aimed at containing its rise, has responded with strong rhetoric, warning that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security.

The AUKUS alliance has also raised concerns about the impact it could have on ASEAN's longstanding effort to promote regional stability and cooperation. The alliance's focus on military cooperation, particularly in the area of advanced technology and nuclear-powered submarines, has raised fears that it could lead to a dangerous escalation of tensions in the region. Some ASEAN countries, particularly those with territorial disputes with China, may feel compelled to align themselves more closely with the US-led alliance, while others may fear being caught in the crossfire of a potential conflict.

Moreover, the announcement of the AUKUS alliance has also highlighted the challenges facing ASEAN in maintaining its unity and centrality in regional affairs. ASEAN's approach to regional security has traditionally been based on consensus-building and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states. However, the AUKUS alliance has the potential to undermine this approach, as it represents a clear division between those countries that are aligned with the US and those that are not. This could make it more difficult for ASEAN to speak with a united voice on regional issues, particularly those related to security and strategic affairs.

The AUKUS alliance has also raised questions about the role of other major powers in the region, particularly Japan and India. Both countries have sought to expand their influence in the Indo-Pacific region in recent years, with Japan promoting the concept of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" and India seeking to enhance its security and economic ties with ASEAN countries. However, the AUKUS alliance, which excludes both countries, could potentially undermine their efforts to promote regional stability and cooperation.

In conclusion, the AUKUS alliance represents a significant development in the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region, with implications for ASEAN's role and centrality in regional affairs. While the alliance may offer some benefits in terms of enhancing regional security and countering China's assertiveness, it also has the potential to undermine ASEAN's longstanding approach to regional security and cooperation. As such, it is important for ASEAN to maintain its neutrality and unity, while also working to engage with all major powers in the region in a constructive and cooperative manner.