Why big power rivalry is the ‘main threat’ to Asean maritime security
Geopolitical tensions risk turning Southeast Asia into a pawn in a superpower game.
Deep Dive
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn warned at the Munich Security Conference that the "main threat" to regional maritime security is "increasing strategic mistrust" between major powers, a clear reference to the US and China. Their naval rivalry in the South China Sea, where China's sweeping claims conflict with neighbors like the Philippines, is escalating tensions. ASEAN hopes a finalized code of conduct with China this year can reduce risks.
Why It Matters
This superpower standoff directly threatens global trade routes and risks drawing smaller nations into conflict.