EDITORIAL - 46 years of Asean

At the National Museum in Manila the other night, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario joined hands with the ambassadors of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in celebration of the 46th anniversary of ASEAN.

The Philippines, one of the five founding members of the regional grouping, celebrates ASEAN Day regularly. Last year’s event, however, was marked in the shadow of unprecedented disunity within ASEAN, as the grouping disagreed on the approach to maritime territorial disputes involving China.

Since its founding, ASEAN has thrived on strength in unity. Now expanded to 10 members, with several of its neighbors as dialogue partners, the grouping offers a market of 600 million to the world and has become one of the most dynamic in economic terms. Standard & Poor’s advised investors that Southeast Asia is “outperforming” other regions in economic growth. Economic integration could further boost growth.

This year ASEAN agreed on a common approach to dispute settlement, one anchored on international law and rules-based, peaceful means. Long averse to any action that would be seen as meddling in members’ internal affairs, ASEAN has also expanded cooperation in security and law enforcement matters. This acknowledges the fact that a secure environment is necessary for economic development.

Diverse cultures have enhanced dynamism rather than divided ASEAN. There are challenges particularly in economic integration, with the member states in different stages of development, but there is much to celebrate. The grouping, which chose to engage Myanmar when it was an international pariah, has welcomed the dramatic reforms in that country. Those democratic reforms, together with the fruits of united action, are among the reasons for celebration as ASEAN turns 46.