Publication

This Alert describes the increasing cooperation between the EU and ASEAN, which is now branching out beyond trade and institutional capacity building. There is, however, a potential glitch in this process. The maritime disputes in the South China Sea are putting severe pressure on ASEAN, which makes it imperative for member states and other stakeholders in the region (including the EU) to adopt clear and consistent positions on this issue. A viable half-step in this regard would be to invite EU representatives to participate in the upcoming East Asia Summit (EAS).