Lecture Notes on ASEAN and Geopolitics

Introduction by Stuart Beck

• Greetings to attendees from various regions, including Chile and Canada.
• Acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples and commitment to reconciliation.
• Introduction of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Chile Pacific Foundation as collaborators.
• Panel discussion topic: ASEAN's role in geopolitics and its middle path approach to Asia.

Collaboration between Foundations

• 2019 LU agreement: Recognition of mutual collaboration potential between the two foundations.
• Focus on promoting dialogue and strategic engagement with Asia.
• Recap of previous discussions on ASEAN and the Americas.

Overview of Panel Discussion

• Introduction of Alberto Van Claverin from the Chile Pacific Foundation.
• Emphasis on ASEAN's relevance, particularly in the current geopolitical context.
• Importance of diplomatic engagement with ASEAN and its member states.

Alberto Van Claverin's Remarks

• Emphasis on Chile and Canada as like-minded countries.
• ASEAN as a significant regional model of cooperation.
• Recent meetings involving ASEAN foreign ministers.
• Contrast between ASEAN's integration success and Latin America's challenges.
• Introduction of moderator Loreto Leyton.

Loreto Leyton's Comments

• Reminder of simultaneous interpretation available for attendees.
• Acknowledgment of former President Eduardo Frey’s presence.

Stephanie Martel's Presentation

• ASEAN's Contributions: Importance of understanding ASEAN for effective engagement.
• Characteristics of ASEAN:
  • Composed of 10 Southeast Asian states.
  • Operates differently from entities like the EU or NATO, with fewer resources.
• Historical Context:
  • Formed during the Cold War to manage regional vulnerabilities.
• Key Principles:
  • Non-interference in internal affairs.
  • Consensus-based decision-making.
• ASEAN's Central Role:
  • Core of various regional institutions and frameworks.
  • Inclusive, neutral, and seeks unity among its members.
  • Challenges faced in maintaining relevance amid external pressures.

Jeff Reeves' Insights

• Southeast Asia's Strategic Importance:
  • Central to US-China competition and maritime security.
  • Home to key US allies and significant economies.
• Regional Response:
  • ASEAN's role as an honest broker among diverse states.
  • Importance of ASEAN in shaping regional security discussions.
• China's Influence:
  • Significant vaccine distribution during the pandemic as a soft power strategy.
• Canada's Approach:
  • Need for a thoughtful strategy regarding Southeast Asia.
  • Avoid over-securitizing the region; focus on sustainable development.

Ambassador Jorge Heine's Remarks

• ASEAN's Relevance for Latin America:
  • Comparative analysis of ASEAN’s achievements in diplomacy versus economics.
  • Discussion of ASEAN's culture of peace and consensus.
• Equidistance Policy:
  • Importance of balancing relationships with major powers (US and China).
• Indo-Pacific Concept:
  • Caution against adopting the term without thorough understanding.

Discussion on Canada-Chile Cooperation

• Potential for a joint venture on middle power cooperation.
• Importance of engaging in shared strategic discussions.
• ASEAN's model as a learning opportunity for the Pacific Alliance.

Q&A Highlights

• Biden Administration and China:
  • Need for better infrastructure development to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• Taiwan and ASEAN:
  • ASEAN's stance is careful and non-committal regarding Taiwan's status.
• Indo-Pacific References:
  • Need for consultation on Indo-Pacific strategies among Chilean government ministries.
• ASEAN and Pacific Alliance Interaction:
  • Importance of digital interactions and potential collaborations.

Conclusion

• Reflection on the necessity for ASEAN as a stabilizing force in regional geopolitics.
• Emphasis on learning from ASEAN's successes and challenges to inform Latin American strategies.