History of ASEAN in Timeline
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization encompassing all 11 Southeast Asian states, focused on fostering economic and security cooperation. It represents a population exceeding 600 million and a substantial land area. In 2022, ASEAN's purchasing power parity GDP reached approximately US$10.2 trillion, about 6.5% of the global total. The bloc includes rapidly growing economies and is a key player in East Asian regionalism.
1909: The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909
In 1909, Siam (now Thailand) had to contend with unequal treaties as well as British and French political interference and territorial losses after the Anglo-Siamese Treaty.
1954: Formation of the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)
In 1954, the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was formed, led by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with several Southeast Asian partners, as an extension of the "containment" policy.
July 1961: Formation of the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA)
On July 31, 1961, the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) was formed, consisting of Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaya.
August 1967: Creation of ASEAN with the ASEAN Declaration
On August 8, 1967, ASEAN was created when the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand signed the ASEAN Declaration at Saranrom Palace in Bangkok. According to the Declaration, ASEAN aims to accelerate economic, social, and cultural development in the region, as well as promote regional peace, to collaborate on matters of shared interest, and to promote Southeast Asian studies and maintain close cooperation with existing international organisations.
1970: South Korea's call for an Asian Common Market in 1970
In 1970, South Korea called for an Asian Common Market to bring closer regional co-operation.
1976: ASEAN's First Summit Meeting in Bali
In 1976, ASEAN held its first summit meeting in Bali, Indonesia, resulting in an agreement on several industrial projects and the signing of a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and a Declaration of Concord.
1976: Cooperation in tourism formalised in 1976
In 1976, cooperation in tourism was formalized through the formation of the Sub-Committee on Tourism (SCOT) under the ASEAN Committee on Trade and Tourism.
1976: First ASEAN Summit held in Bali
The first ASEAN Summit, where heads of government of each member state meet to discuss and resolve regional issues, was held in Bali in 1976.
1978: Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in 1978
In 1978, the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, backed by the Soviet Union, was not accepted by ASEAN as it was a violation of the principles of regional integration.
1978: Establishment of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI)
The ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) was established in 1978 to promote effective co-operation in the fields of information and culture through various projects and activities.
October 1981: 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Kuala Lumpur
The 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum was held on 18–26 October 1981 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
1981: Establishment of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF)
In 1981, the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) was established to promote ASEAN countries as a single tourist destination.
January 1984: Brunei Becomes ASEAN's Sixth Member
On January 7, 1984, Brunei became ASEAN's sixth member.
1986: Establishment of ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism (APCT)
In 1986, ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism (APCT) were established in Hong Kong, West Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand, Japan, and North America.
1987: Decision to hold ASEAN Summits every five years at the Manila Summit in 1987
During the third ASEAN summit in Manila in 1987, it was decided that the leaders would meet every five years.
1988: Japan's suggestion for an Asian Network in 1988
In 1988, Japan suggested an Asian Network to bring closer regional co-operation.
1989: Average Economic Growth of Member States
From 1989 to 2009, the average economic growth of ASEAN member states was between 3.8% and 7%.
1990: Malaysia proposed the creation of an East Asia Economic Caucus
In 1990, Malaysia proposed the creation of an East Asia Economic Caucus composed of the members of ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea. The proposal failed because of strong opposition from the US and Japan.
1991: 1991 Paris Agreement
ASEAN played a major role starting in 1980 in the peace process, leading to the 1991 Paris Agreement.
January 1992: Establishment of ASEAN Free Trade Area
On 28 January 1992, the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) was established, including a Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) to promote the free flow of goods between member states.
1992: Decision to hold ASEAN Summits every three years at the Singapore Summit in 1992
During the fourth ASEAN Summit in Singapore in 1992, the leaders decided to meet more frequently, every three years.
1994: First ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) met for the first time in 1994 to foster dialogue, consultation, confidence-building, and preventive diplomacy in the region.
November 1995: Establishment of the ASEAN University Network (AUN)
In November 1995, the ASEAN University Network (AUN) was founded by 11 universities to promote co-operation among ASEAN scholars, academics, and scientists.
December 1995: Adoption of ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services
In December 1995, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services (AFAS) was adopted at the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok. Member states enter into negotiations to liberalise trade in services.
December 1995: Signing of the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty
On December 15, 1995, the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty was signed to turn Southeast Asia into a nuclear-weapon-free zone.
1996: Initiation of the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM)
In 1996, the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) was initiated as an informal dialogue process to strengthen cooperation between Europe and Asia, especially members of the European Union and ASEAN.
1996: First leaders' meetings held in 1996
The first leaders' meetings were held in 1996 to deal with Asia–Europe Meeting issues.
March 1997: Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Takes Effect
On March 28, 1997, the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty took effect after all but one of the member states had ratified it.
July 1997: Laos and Myanmar Join ASEAN
On July 23, 1997, Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma) joined ASEAN.
1997: Adoption of ASEAN Vision 2020
Beginning in 1997, heads of each member state adopted the ASEAN Vision 2020 during the group's 30th anniversary meeting held in Kuala Lumpur. This vision provided provisions on peace and stability, a nuclear-free region, closer economic integration, human development, sustainable development, cultural heritage, being a drug-free region, environment among others.
1997: Creation of ASEAN Plus Three in 1997
In 1997, ASEAN Plus Three, consisting of ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea, was created.
1997: Efforts to establish ASEAN Power Grid since 1997
Since 1997, there have been efforts to establish an ASEAN Power Grid and associated trade, cross-border electricity trade in ASEAN has been limited.
1997: 1997 Asian financial crisis
The ASEAN Plus Three group's significance and importance were strengthened by the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In response to the crisis, ASEAN closely cooperated with China, South Korea, and Japan.
April 1999: Cambodia Joins ASEAN
On April 30, 1999, Cambodia joined ASEAN following the stabilisation of its government.
1999: Implementation of the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation
Since the implementation of the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation in 1999 at the Manila Summit, ASEAN Plus Three finance ministers have been holding periodic consultations.
2000: Impact of FTA with Australia and New Zealand
On 27 February 2009, an FTA with Australia and New Zealand was signed. It is believed that this FTA would boost combined GDP across the 12 countries by more than US$48 billion over the period between 2000 and 2020.
2000: Increase in ASEAN's Overall Energy Demand
Since 2000, ASEAN's overall energy demand has grown by more than 80%, primarily met by a doubling in fossil fuel use.
June 2001: Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Fully Effective
On June 21, 2001, the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty became fully effective after the Philippines ratified it, effectively banning all nuclear weapons in the region.
2001: Deforestation in Indonesia
From 2001 to 2013, Indonesia recorded the largest loss of forest in the ASEAN region, surpassing the combined loss of all other member states.
2001: Decision to hold ASEAN Summits annually in 2001
In 2001, it was decided that the ASEAN organization will meet annually to address urgent issues affecting the region.
2002: Signing of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
In 2002, ASEAN signed the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, aiming to manage haze pollution in Southeast Asia. However, this agreement proved unsuccessful in subsequent years.
2003: Formalization of ASEAN Vision 2020
In 2003, ASEAN Vision 2020 was formalized and made comprehensive through the Bali Concord II.
2004: Rise in ASEAN Defence Budget
From 2004 to 2013, the ASEAN defence budget rose by 147%. Factors affecting the increase include economic growth, ageing equipment, and the plan to strengthen the establishment of the defence industry.
December 2005: New Direction for Regional Education Collaboration
At the 11th ASEAN Summit in December 2005, leaders welcomed the decision of ASEAN education ministers to convene meetings on a regular basis, setting a new direction for regional education collaboration.
December 2005: First East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Kuala Lumpur
The first East Asia Summit (EAS) was held in Kuala Lumpur on 14 December 2005, involving the leaders of eighteen countries in the East Asian region.
2005: Outbreak of Haze
In 2005, Southeast Asia experienced an outbreak of haze, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution signed in 2002.
2006: ASEAN Granted Observer Status at the UN General Assembly
In 2006, ASEAN was given observer status at the United Nations General Assembly. In response, the organisation awarded the status of "dialogue partner" to the UN.
2006: Haze Outbreak in Southeast Asia
In 2006, Southeast Asia was affected by another outbreak of haze, revealing the ongoing challenges in addressing transboundary haze pollution despite the ASEAN Agreement signed in 2002.
2006: Military Coup in Thailand in 2006
In 2006, Thailand experienced a military coup, raising concerns within ASEAN about regional stability.
July 2007: Composition of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July 2007
As of July 2007, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) consisted of twenty-seven participants, including all ASEAN member states, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, the EU, India, Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Timor-Leste, the United States, and Sri Lanka.
August 2007: ASEAN's Aim to Complete Free Trade Agreements
On 26 August 2007, ASEAN stated its aim of completing free trade agreements (FTA) with Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan by 2013.
November 2007: Signing of the ASEAN Charter
In November 2007, ASEAN states signed the ASEAN Charter, a constitution governing relations among member states and establishing the group itself as an international legal entity.
November 2007: AEC Blueprint Adopted at ASEAN Summit in Singapore
On 20 November 2007, at the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore, the blueprint for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was adopted. It serves as a comprehensive guide for the establishment of the community, aiming to create a single market for member states.
2007: Acceleration of ASEAN Community Commencement
During the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in 2007, it was decided that the ASEAN Community, initially planned to commence by 2020, was accelerated to begin by 31 December 2015.
2007: Lowering of Import Duties by ASEAN Countries
Since 2007, ASEAN countries have gradually lowered their import duties to member states, with a target of zero import duties by 2016.
December 2008: ASEAN Charter came into force
In December 2008, the ASEAN Charter came into force, leading to ASEAN Summits being held twice a year.
December 2008: Launch of the ASEAN Charter
On December 15, 2008, the member states met in Jakarta to launch the charter signed in November 2007, to move closer to "an EU-style community". The charter formally established ASEAN as a legal entity, aiming to create a single trade bloc for a region encompassing 500 million people.
December 2008: Removal of Restrictions on Air Passenger Services
Since 1 December 2008, restrictions on the third and fourth freedoms of the air between capital cities of member states for air passenger services have been removed.
2008: Financial Crisis as a Threat to ASEAN's Goals
The 2008 financial crisis was seen as a threat to the charter's goals for ASEAN.
January 2009: Full Liberalisation of Air Freight Services
From 1 January 2009, full liberalisation of air freight services in the ASEAN region took effect.
February 2009: Discussion of a Proposed Human Rights Body
In February 2009, the idea of a proposed human rights body for ASEAN was discussed at a future summit, causing controversy due to its limited power.
February 2009: FTA with Australia and New Zealand Signed
On 27 February 2009, an FTA with Australia and New Zealand was signed. It is believed that this FTA would boost combined GDP across the 12 countries by more than US$48 billion over the period between 2000 and 2020.
May 2009: ASEAN Meeting on Responding to the H1N1 Pandemic
On May 8, 2009, ASEAN held a special meeting between ASEAN and ASEAN+3 health ministers on responding to the H1N1 pandemic. Hotlines between public health authorities, joint response teams, and bolstered research efforts were agreed upon.
2009: Average Economic Growth of Member States
From 1989 to 2009, the average economic growth of ASEAN member states was between 3.8% and 7%.
2009: Announcement of the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund in 2009
In 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced the establishment of the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund.
2009: Haze Outbreak in Southeast Asia
In 2009, Southeast Asia experienced an outbreak of haze, indicating continued issues with transboundary haze pollution despite the 2002 ASEAN Agreement.
2009: Realised Foreign Direct Investment
In 2009, realised foreign direct investment (FDI) was US$37.9 billion.
2009: Adoption of Blueprints for APSC and ASCC
To fully embody the three pillars as part of the 2015 integration, blueprints for APSC and ASCC were subsequently adopted in 2009 in Cha-am, Thailand.
January 2010: Full Effect of ASEAN-Taiwan Free Trade Area
The agreement with Taiwan created the ASEAN–Taiwan Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which went into full effect on 1 January 2010.
May 2010: ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration Proposed
On 11 May 2010, at the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Hanoi, the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was proposed. Its purpose is to reduce defence imports from non-ASEAN countries and develop the defence industry in the region.
October 2010: Establishment of East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II
On 29 October 2010, at the 13th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Hanoi, the East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II was established. Its purpose was to assess, review, and determine the future course of ASEAN co-operation.
2010: Plastic Waste Dumping Data
Based on 2010 data, five ASEAN member states were among the top 10 worst plastic waste polluters out of 192 countries, with Indonesia ranking as the second-worst polluter.
2010: Intra-ASEAN travel escalates in 2010
In 2010, intra-ASEAN travel escalated with 47%, or 34 million out of 73 million tourists in ASEAN member-states being from other ASEAN countries.
2010: Publication of the First AEC Scorecard
In 2010, the first official ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard was published. This scorecard is a compliance tool developed to track the progress of the AEC, based on the EU Internal Market Scorecard.
2010: Increase in Foreign Direct Investment
Until the end of 2010, intra-ASEAN trade was still low as trade involved mainly exports to countries outside the region. In 2010, realised foreign direct investment (FDI) increased two-fold to US$75.8 billion.
January 2011: Full Liberalisation on Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights
On 1 January 2011, full liberalisation on fifth freedom traffic rights between all capital cities in ASEAN took effect.
May 2011: ADIC Formally Adopted in Jakarta
On 19 May 2011, the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was formally adopted at the next ADMM in Jakarta, Indonesia. The focus is to boost the security capability of ASEAN, consistent with the principles of flexibility and voluntary participation.
November 2011: Establishment of Vocational Schools in China
In November 2011, ten vocational schools and centers were established in China to help develop human resources to assist in the economic and social development of the ASEAN countries.
November 2011: Establishment of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation fund
In November 2011, the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation fund was established with underwriting from China.
2011: ASEAN tourist arrivals reach 81 million
In 2011, ASEAN recorded 81 million tourist arrivals.
2011: Expansion of East Asia Summit (EAS) membership
In 2011, at the Sixth EAS, membership was expanded to include the United States and Russia.
January 2012: ASEAN tourism ministers call for development of a marketing strategy
In January 2012, ASEAN tourism ministers called for the development of a marketing strategy to promote tourism up to 2015.
March 2012: Conceptualization of ASEAN Media Cooperation (AMC)
ASEAN Media Cooperation (AMC) was conceptualized during the 11th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) Conference in Malaysia on 1 March 2012. It sets digital television standards and policies for broadcasters transitioning from analogue to digital broadcasting.
November 2012: Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
In November 2012, the commission adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, which was later critiqued by the international community for not aligning with international norms.
2012: Bilateral Trade with India
Bilateral trade with India crossed the US$70 billion target in 2012 (target was to reach the level by 2015).
2012: Philippines' Readiness for ASEAN Integration
In 2012, Romulo A. Virola stated that the Philippines seemed unready to benefit from the ASEAN integration due to its "wobbly" economic performance compared to other member states.
2012: Postponement of the ASEAN Economic Community
In 2012, the commencement of the AEC was postponed to 31 December 2015 from the original plan of 1 January.
2012: Publication of the Second AEC Scorecard
In 2012, the second official ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard was published. This scorecard is a compliance tool developed to track the progress of the AEC, based on the EU Internal Market Scorecard.
2012: ASEAN foreign ministerial statements become more contentious
Prior to 2012, ASEAN foreign ministerial statements were not typically contentious, but with international disagreements over the South China Sea increased, the wording of ASEAN foreign ministerial statements became more politically contended in 2012.
February 2013: First round of negotiations on RCEP
In February 2013, ASEAN and its six major trading partners started the first round of negotiations in Bali, Indonesia, for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
2013: Deforestation in Indonesia
From 2001 to 2013, Indonesia recorded the largest loss of forest in the ASEAN region, surpassing the combined loss of all other member states.
2013: ASEAN Defence Budget Increase
From 2004 to 2013, the ASEAN defence budget rose by 147%. Factors affecting the increase include economic growth, ageing equipment, and the plan to strengthen the establishment of the defence industry.
2013: Haze Outbreak in Southeast Asia
In 2013, Southeast Asia experienced yet another haze outbreak, highlighting the persistent failure to effectively manage transboundary haze pollution following the 2002 ASEAN Agreement.
2013: Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) report
In the 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) report, Singapore placed 1st, Malaysia placed 8th, Thailand placed 9th, Indonesia placed 12th, Brunei placed 13th, Vietnam placed 16th, Philippines placed 17th, and Cambodia placed 20th as the top destinations of travellers in the Asia–Pacific region.
2013: Target Date for Free Trade Agreements
On 26 August 2007, ASEAN stated its aim of completing free trade agreements (FTA) with Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan by 2013, which is in line with the start of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
January 2014: Concerns over ASEAN's Credibility
In January 2014, Rodolfo C. Severino wrote that any failure to deliver on ASEAN's commitments would likely lead to a loss of credibility and could mean that member states fall further behind in the global competition.
November 2014: Launch of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACPM)
On 14 November 2014, foreign ministers of member states launched the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACPM) to provide a framework for communicating the character, structure, and overall vision of ASEAN.
2014: 2014 coup in Thailand
In 2014, Thailand experienced another military coup led by General Prayuth Chan-ocha, resulting in nearly a decade of military-backed governance and raising concerns within ASEAN about regional stability.
December 2015: Free Movement of Professionals
Effective 31 December 2015, individuals in eight professions (physicians, dentists, nurses, architects, engineers, accountants, surveyors, and tourism professionals) will be free to work in any ASEAN states.
December 2015: Postponement of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Commencement
In December 2015, the commencement of the AEC was postponed to 31 December 2015, from the original plan of 1 January.
December 2015: Commencement of the ASEAN Community
On 31 December 2015, The ASEAN Community commenced.
2015: Target for Bilateral Trade with India
Bilateral trade with India crossed the US$70 billion target in 2012 (target was to reach the level by 2015).
2015: Implementation of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
By 2015, protecting the Philippines' agricultural and financial services sectors, as well as the labour sector, would be necessary for the implementation of the Asian Economic Blueprint (AEC).
2015: Establishment of ASEAN Economic Community
By the end of 2015, ASEAN planned to establish a single market based upon the four freedoms, with the goal of ensuring free flow of goods, services, skilled labour, and capital. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was formed in 2015.
2015: Economic Integration and Single Market
By the end of 2015, ASEAN sought economic integration by creating the AEC that established a single market.
2015: Corruption Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region
Following the release of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2015, Transparency International noted that corruption remains a common challenge uniting the Asia-Pacific region, with little sign of action despite widespread discussion.
2015: Tourist arrivals in ASEAN reach 109 million in 2015
In 2015, ASEAN attracted 109 million tourists, marking a 34% increase compared to the 81 million tourists in 2011.
2015: ASEAN Countries Economic Zones
In 2015, ASEAN countries have many economic zones (industrial parks, eco-industrial parks, special economic zones, technology parks, and innovation districts).
2015: Haze Outbreak in Southeast Asia
In 2015, Southeast Asia faced another significant haze outbreak, underscoring the continued ineffectiveness of measures to address transboundary haze pollution since the 2002 ASEAN Agreement.
2015: Concerns over the ASEAN Integration Plan
In 2015, business and economy experts cited unresolved issues in aviation, agriculture, and human resources regarding the ASEAN integration plan. Warnings were issued against high expectations at the onset.
2015: Discussion of a joint ASEAN navy in 2015
In 2015, the 10 ASEAN member states discussed the possibility of creating a joint ASEAN navy to carry out operations in piracy hotspots like the Strait of Malacca. However, this proposal was ultimately enforced through bilateral/sub-regional efforts rather than within the ASEAN framework.
2015: ADB doubts Cambodia's ability to meet AEC deadline
In 2015, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) expressed doubts about Cambodia's ability to meet the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) deadline. ADB's leading economist, Jayant Menon, emphasized the need for Cambodia to expedite customs reform and automate processes to reduce trade costs and minimize corruption, preparing for the implementation of its National Single Window by 2015.
2015: Target for Establishing AEC
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard outlines specific actions that must be undertaken collectively and individually to establish AEC by 2015.
2015: Trade Liberalisation and ASEAN Banking
With trade being liberalised with the integration in 2015, the need arises for ASEAN banking institutions to accommodate and expand their services to an intra-ASEAN market.
July 2016: China assures ASEAN it would not conduct land reclamation on the Scarborough Shoal
Shortly after the conclusion of the South China Sea Arbitration, at the 24 July 2016 China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers summit, China assured ASEAN that it would not conduct land reclamation on the Scarborough Shoal.
2016: Aim to Establish the APSC by 2016
During the 14th ASEAN Summit, the group adopted the APSC Blueprint. This document is aimed at creating a robust political-security environment within ASEAN, with programs and activities outlined to establish the APSC by 2016.
2016: Target of Zero Import Duties
Since 2007, ASEAN countries have gradually lowered their import duties to member states, with a target of zero import duties by 2016.
August 2017: The Rohingya Genocide in Myanmar
In August 2017, the Rohingya genocide erupted in Myanmar, leading to global outcry and demands for ASEAN to take action against the government.
2017: ASEAN's Sex Ratio
As of 2017, ASEAN's sex ratio was 99.4 males per 100 females.
2017: Low Solar and Wind Energy Composition in Vietnam's Electricity Mix
Prior to 2017, solar and wind energy in Vietnam's electricity mix was nearly zero. However, there was a remarkable increase in the following years.
2017: Political and Ethnic Challenges in Myanmar for ASEAN
Since 2017, political, military and ethnic affairs in Myanmar have posed unusual challenges for ASEAN, creating precedent-breaking situations and threatening the traditions and unity of the group, and its global standing.
2018: Maritime Security Plan of Action 2018-2020
In 2018, ASEAN member states created and enforced the Maritime Security Plan of Action 2018-2020, to address national legal enforcement capacities and creating a common protocol of action to counter piracy allowing the region to cooperate for ensuring the security of the Pacific Ocean.
2018: ASEAN Members Outperforming Economies
In 2018, eight of the ASEAN members are among the world's outperforming economies, with positive long-term prospects for the region.
June 2019: Music at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok
In June 2019, new music was composed for and performed at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, highlighting the significant role of music in ASEAN affairs.
July 2019: ASEAN Population Statistics in July 2019
In July 2019, the population of ASEAN was approximately 655 million people, representing 8.5% of the world's population. The region's population growth rate was 1.1% per year.
2019: Projected Economic Growth for ASEAN
In 2019, ASEAN's aggregate economy was expected to grow by 4.6%, contributing to about 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
2019: Reuters highlights tariff avoidance on ethanol imports to Taiwan
In 2019, Reuters highlighted a mechanism used by traders to avoid the 70% tariff on ethanol imported into Taiwan from the United States, involving importing the fuel into Malaysia, mixing it with at least 40% ASEAN-produced fuel, and re-exporting it to China tariff-free under ACFTA rules.
2019: Asian Trade Centre Report on Non-Tariff Barriers
In 2019, a report by the Asian Trade Centre highlighted the challenges that multiple sectors face towards integration due to the persistence of non-tariff barriers within the ASEAN region.
2019: 38th anniversary of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF)
In 2019, the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum event in Ha Long marked the 38th anniversary and involved all the tourism industry sectors of the 11 member states of ASEAN.
2019: Vietnam's Emergence as a Regional Leader in Renewable Energy
Since 2019, Vietnam has emerged as a regional leader in solar and wind energy adoption. The country has demonstrated rapid progress in incorporating renewable energy into its electricity mix.
June 2020: Increase of Piracy Incidents in Asia
In June 2020, a ReCAAP report highlighted an increase in piracy incidents in Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, South China Sea, and Singapore Strait, raising concerns due to potential social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Potential of Renewable Energy in ASEAN
Based on 2020 technology costs, ASEAN's electricity industry could achieve high penetration (78%–97%) of domestic solar and wind energy resources at a competitive levelised costs of electricity range from 55 to 115 U.S. dollars per megawatt-hour.
2020: Projected Economic Growth for ASEAN
In 2020, ASEAN's aggregate economy was projected to grow by 4.8%, releasing about 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
2020: Publication of the Sixth Edition of the ASEAN Energy Outlook
In 2020, the sixth edition of the ASEAN Energy Outlook was published by the ASEAN Centre for Energy. This report is published every five years, analysing and promoting the integration of national energy systems across the region.
2020: Impact of FTA with Australia and New Zealand
On 27 February 2009, an FTA with Australia and New Zealand was signed. It is believed that this FTA would boost combined GDP across the 12 countries by more than US$48 billion over the period between 2000 and 2020.
2020: Challenges for ASEAN Financial Institutions
Two separate reports by Standard & Poor's (S&P) outline the challenges that ASEAN financial institutions face as they prepare for the 2020 banking integration.
February 2021: Military Coup in Myanmar
On February 1, 2021, a military junta overthrew Myanmar's civilian government in a coup d'etat, leading to widespread protests, resistance, and global pressure on ASEAN to take action.
2022: Perceptions of Chinese expansionism in Southeast Asia in 2022
As of 2022, multiple incursions into the South China Sea by the PRC (China) and ROC (Taiwan) were perceived by many Southeast Asian countries as intrusive, potentially reflecting the threat of Chinese expansionism into the region, due to overlapping claims by Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
2022: ASEAN reiterates support of the One China policy
Following the 2022 visit by United States Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, ASEAN and individual member states reiterated their support of the One China policy.
2022: ASEAN's Economic Impact in 2022
In 2022, ASEAN's member states represented a population of over 600 million people, with a land area exceeding 4.5 million square kilometers. The bloc generated a purchasing power parity (PPP) gross domestic product (GDP) of around US$10.2 trillion, constituting approximately 6.5% of global GDP (PPP).
2022: Solar and Wind Energy Composition in Vietnam's Electricity Mix
In 2022, solar and wind energy accounted for 13% of Vietnam's electricity mix, marking a significant increase from nearly zero in 2017.
October 2025: Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN as the 11th Member
On October 26, 2025, Timor-Leste joined ASEAN as its 11th member during the 47th ASEAN Summit, completing a two-decade accession process.
October 2025: ASEAN Chairmanship Formally Handed Over to the Philippines
On October 28, 2025, the ASEAN chairmanship was formally handed over to the Philippines, with full chairmanship to be assumed on January 1, 2026.
2025: New Deadline for Common Market Harmonisation
In 2015, ASEAN deferred about 20% of the harmonisation provisions needed to create a common market and set a new deadline of 2025.
2025: Malaysia Holds the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025
In 2025, Malaysia holds the chairmanship of ASEAN.
2025: AEC Blueprint 2025 faces integration challenges
In 2025, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint aimed for significant economic integration, but ASEAN continues to face challenges towards integration. A report by the Asian Trade Centre identified sectors facing challenges due to non-tariff barriers.
2025: Renewable Energy Target in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia aims to achieve a target of 23% renewables in the primary energy supply by 2025, necessitating an annual investment of US$27 billion in renewable energy.
January 2026: The Philippines Assumes Full ASEAN Chairmanship
On January 1, 2026, the Philippines assumed full chairmanship of ASEAN.
2030: Projected Growth of ASEAN Economy
ASEAN's Secretariat projects that the regional body will grow to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030.
2050: Projected Surge in Energy Demand in Southeast Asia
The energy demand in Southeast Asia is projected to triple by 2050, posing significant challenges and requiring substantial investments in renewable energy sources.
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