If Australia Wants to Avoid Regional Turmoil, It Needs to Turn to ASEAN

As China encroaches on the ocean territory of its neighbors, unity among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, could protect borders in dispute, suggests John Blaxland, former Australian intelligence officer, for the Guardian. China’s approach is calculated, using tactics that draw international ire but not action, even from the countries under attack: “water cannons to intimidate and deter, and ramming and even sinking fishing vessels as a way to assert their power and authority – yet without triggering an armed, war-like response.” Australia, not a member of ASEAN, is an island state that depends on free maritime trade, and Blaxland urges a leadership role in supporting ASEAN and ensuring the regional grouping does not become marginalized on security issues. He concludes, various states must begin “collaborating on finding a way to resolve the disputes between each other, and then presenting a united front in discussions with external players like China.” – YaleGlobal