History of ASEAN in Timeline
ASEAN is a political and economic union comprising 10 Southeast Asian states. With a combined population exceeding 600 million and a land area of over 4.5 million km2, it plays a significant role in East Asian regionalism. In 2022, ASEAN's purchasing power parity GDP reached approximately US$10.2 trillion, representing about 6.5% of the global GDP. The bloc includes some of the world's fastest-growing economies.
1909: The Anglo-Siamese Treaty
In 1909, Siam (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)
In July 1961, the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) was formed, consisting of Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaya, marking an early attempt at regional cooperation.
1970: South Korea's Proposal for an Asian Common Market
In 1970, South Korea proposed the creation of an Asian Common Market to foster regional cooperation.
1976: ASEAN's First Summit Meeting
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, as well as a Declaration of Concord.
1976: Formalisation of Tourism Cooperation
In 1976, cooperation in tourism was formalised following the formation of the Sub-Committee on Tourism (SCOT) under the ASEAN Committee on Trade and Tourism.
1976: First ASEAN Summit Held in Bali
In 1976, the first ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, marking a significant step in regional cooperation.
1978: Establishment of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information
In 1978, the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) was established to promote cooperation in information and culture.
1978: Vietnamese Invasion of Cambodia
In 1978, the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, backed by the Soviet Union, was rejected by ASEAN as a violation of regional integration principles.
October 1981: 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum
The 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum was held from 18-26 October 1981 in Kuala Lumpur.
1981: Establishment of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF)
In 1981 the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) was established. It is a regional meeting of NGOs, Ministers, sellers, buyers and journalists to promote the ASEAN countries as a single tourist destination.
January 1984: Brunei Joins ASEAN
On January 7, 1984, Brunei became ASEAN's sixth member, expanding the organization's reach.
1986: Establishment of ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism
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: Third ASEAN Summit in Manila
In 1987, at the third summit in Manila, ASEAN leaders decided to meet every five years.
1988: Japan's Suggestion for an Asian Network
In 1988, Japan suggested the creation of an Asian Network to enhance regional cooperation.
1989: Start of Economic Growth Period
From 1989 to 2009, the average economic growth of ASEAN member states was between 3.8% and 7%, surpassing the average growth of APEC.
1990: Malaysia Proposes East Asia Economic Caucus
In 1990, Malaysia proposed the creation of an East Asia Economic Caucus composed of ASEAN members, China, Japan, and South Korea, to counterbalance US influence, but the proposal failed.
1991: Paris Agreement
In 1991, ASEAN's efforts in the peace process culminated in the Paris Agreement.
January 1992: Adoption of Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme
In January 1992, the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme was adopted as a schedule for phasing out tariffs, acting as the framework for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
January 1992: Establishment of ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)
On January 28, 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: Fourth ASEAN Summit in Singapore
In 1992, during the fourth summit in Singapore, leaders decided to meet more frequently, every three years.
1994: First ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Meeting
In 1994, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) met for the first time to foster dialogue and consultation, promoting confidence-building and preventive diplomacy.
November 1995: Establishment of the ASEAN University Network
In November 1995, the ASEAN University Network (AUN) was founded by 11 universities to promote cooperation 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, aiming to liberalise trade in services through successive rounds of negotiations.
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 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.
1996: First Leaders' Meetings to Address Asia–Europe Meeting Issues
In 1996, the first leaders' meetings were held to address Asia–Europe Meeting issues.
March 1997: Effective Date of the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty
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, continuing the expansion of the organization.
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, providing 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, ASEAN Plus Three, consisting of ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea, was created to further integration.
1997: Efforts to Establish ASEAN Power Grid
Since 1997, efforts have been made to establish an ASEAN Power Grid and associated trade, but cross-border electricity trade in ASEAN has been limited.
1997: ASEAN Plus Three Focuses on Issues Beyond Finance
Since the process began in 1997, ASEAN Plus Three has also focused on subjects other than finance.
1997: Asian Financial Crisis Impact
The concept of an Asian Currency Unit (ACU) started in the middle of the 1990s, prior to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which influenced its development.
April 1999: Cambodia Joins ASEAN
On April 30, 1999, Cambodia joined ASEAN after a period of internal instability and government stabilization, completing the initial expansion plans.
1999: Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation
Following the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation in 1999, ASEAN Plus Three finance ministers began holding periodic consultations.
2000: Start of GDP Boost Period
On February 27, 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: Increased Energy Demand in ASEAN
Since 2000, ASEAN's overall energy demand has grown by more than 80%, largely met by a doubling in fossil fuel use.
June 2001: Full Effectiveness of the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty
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
Between 2001 and 2013, Indonesia recorded the largest loss of forest in the ASEAN region.
2001: Decision for Annual ASEAN Summits
In 2001, it was decided that ASEAN would meet annually to address urgent regional issues.
2002: Signing of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
In 2002, the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution was signed in an attempt to control haze pollution in Southeast Asia.
2003: Formalization of ASEAN Vision 2020
In 2003, ASEAN Vision 2020 was formalized and made comprehensive through the Bali Concord II.
2004: Increase of the ASEAN Defense Budget
From 2004 to 2013, the ASEAN defense budget rose by 147%.
December 2005: New direction for regional education collaboration set
In December 2005, at the 11th ASEAN Summit, leaders welcomed the decision of ASEAN education ministers to convene regular meetings, setting a new direction for regional education collaboration.
December 2005: First East Asia Summit Held in Kuala Lumpur
On December 14, 2005, the first East Asia Summit (EAS) was held in Kuala Lumpur, with ASEAN playing a leadership role.
2005: Outbreaks of Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia
In 2005, Southeast Asia experienced outbreaks of haze pollution.
2006: ASEAN Gains Observer Status at the UN
In 2006, ASEAN was granted observer status at the United Nations General Assembly, strengthening its international recognition. Subsequently, ASEAN awarded the status of "dialogue partner" to the UN.
2006: Outbreaks of Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia
In 2006, Southeast Asia experienced outbreaks of haze pollution.
July 2007: Composition of the ASEAN Regional Forum
As of July 2007, the ASEAN Regional Forum consisted of twenty-seven participants, including ASEAN member states and various other countries.
August 2007: Aim for Free Trade Agreements
On August 26, 2007, ASEAN declared its goal of completing free trade agreements (FTA) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand by 2013.
November 2007: Signing of ASEAN Charter
In November 2007, ASEAN states signed the ASEAN Charter, which is a constitution governing relations among member states and establishing the group itself as an international legal entity.
November 2007: Adoption of the AEC Blueprint
On November 20, 2007, at the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore, the blueprint that serves as a comprehensive guide for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was adopted.
2007: Decision to Advance the ASEAN Community
During the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in 2007, it was decided to accelerate the commencement of the ASEAN Community to begin by December 31, 2015.
2007: Gradual Lowering of Import Duties
Since 2007, ASEAN countries have gradually lowered their import duties to member states, with a target of zero import duties by 2016.
2007: Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2007–2008 posed a threat to the charter's goals.
December 2008: ASEAN Charter Comes into Force
In December 2008, the ASEAN Charter came into force, leading to the ASEAN Summit being held twice a year.
December 2008: Launch of the ASEAN Charter
In December 2008, the member states met in Jakarta to launch the charter signed in November 2007, formally establishing ASEAN as a legal entity and aiming to create a single trade bloc.
December 2008: Removal of Air Travel Restrictions
Since December 1, 2008, restrictions on the third and fourth freedoms of the air between capital cities of member states for air passenger services have been removed as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM).
2008: Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2007–2008 posed a threat to the charter's goals.
January 2009: Full Liberalisation of Air Freight Services
From January 1, 2009, full liberalisation of air freight services in the ASEAN region took effect as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM).
February 2009: Proposed Human Rights Body
In February 2009, the idea of a proposed human rights body was discussed at a future summit, causing controversy due to its limited power to impose sanctions.
February 2009: FTA with Australia and New Zealand Signed
On February 27, 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 to address the H1N1 pandemic, agreeing to establish hotlines, form joint response teams, and bolster research efforts.
2009: End of Economic Growth Period
From 1989 to 2009, the average economic growth of ASEAN member states was between 3.8% and 7%, surpassing the average growth of APEC.
2009: Announcement of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund
In 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced the establishment of the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund.
2009: Outbreaks of Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia
In 2009, Southeast Asia experienced outbreaks of haze pollution.
2009: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Amount
In 2009, realised foreign direct investment (FDI) was US$37.9 billion.
2009: Adoption of Blueprints for APSC and ASCC
In 2009, to fully embody the three pillars as part of the 2015 integration, blueprints for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) were subsequently adopted in Cha-am, Thailand.
January 2010: ASEAN-China Free Trade Area in Effect
On January 1, 2010, the agreement with China created the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which went into full effect.
May 2010: Proposal of the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC)
The ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was proposed at the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) on May 11, 2010, in Hanoi, aiming to reduce defense imports from non-ASEAN countries and develop the defense industry in the region.
October 2010: Establishment of East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II
On October 29, 2010, East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II was established at the 13th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Hanoi to review and identify the future direction of cooperation.
2010: Plastic Waste Pollution in ASEAN
Based on 2010 data, five ASEAN member states were among the top 10 worst plastic waste polluters out of 192 countries, with Indonesia ranked as the second worst.
2010: Increase in Intra-ASEAN Travel
In 2010, 47% or 34 million out of 73 million tourists in ASEAN member-states were from other ASEAN countries, following the institutionalisation of visa-free travel between member states.
2010: Increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
In 2010, realised foreign direct investment (FDI) was US$75.8 billion, a two-fold increase from US$37.9 billion in 2009.
2010: AEC Scorecard Published
In 2010, the first official AEC Scorecard was published. The scorecard is a compliance tool developed based on the EU Internal Market Scorecard to measure the extent of integration and the economic health of the ASEAN region.
January 2011: Full Liberalisation on Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights
On January 1, 2011, full liberalisation on fifth freedom traffic rights between all capital cities in ASEAN took effect as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM).
May 2011: Formal Adoption of the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC)
On May 19, 2011, the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was formally adopted at the ADMM in Jakarta, Indonesia, with a focus on boosting the security capability of ASEAN.
November 2011: Establishment of vocational schools in China
In November 2011, ten vocational schools and centers were established in China to assist in the economic and social development of ASEAN countries.
November 2011: Establishment of China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund
In November 2011, the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation fund was established, underwritten by China, and valued at RMB 3 billion.
2011: Expansion of East Asia Summit Membership
In 2011, the East Asia Summit (EAS) expanded to include the United States and Russia at the Sixth EAS.
2011: Tourist Arrivals in ASEAN
In 2011, tourist arrivals to ASEAN reached 81 million.
January 2012: Tourism Ministers Call for Marketing Strategy
In January 2012, ASEAN tourism ministers called for the development of a marketing strategy, representing the consensus of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) on marketing directions for ASEAN moving forward to 2015.
March 2012: Conceptualization of ASEAN Media Cooperation
During the 11th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) Conference in Malaysia on 1 March 2012, ASEAN Media Cooperation (AMC) was conceptualised to set digital television standards and policies.
November 2012: Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
In November 2012, the commission adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, which was later critiqued widely by the international community.
2012: Increased Contentiousness of ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Statements
In 2012, ASEAN foreign ministerial statements became more politically contentious due to international disagreements over the South China Sea.
2012: Philippines' unreadiness for ASEAN integration
In 2012, Romulo A. Virola stated that the Philippines seemed unready to benefit from ASEAN integration due to its "wobbly" economic performance.
2012: Bilateral Trade with India
In 2012, bilateral trade with India crossed the US$70 billion target (target was to reach the level by 2015).
2012: Postponement of the AEC commencement
In 2012, the commencement of the AEC was postponed to 31 December 2015 from the original plan of 1 January.
2012: Second AEC Scorecard Published
In 2012, the second official AEC Scorecard was published. The scorecard is a compliance tool developed based on the EU Internal Market Scorecard to measure the extent of integration and the economic health of the ASEAN region.
February 2013: Negotiations on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
From 26-28 February 2013, ASEAN, along with six major trading partners, initiated negotiations on the establishment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Bali, Indonesia.
2013: Deforestation in Indonesia
Between 2001 and 2013, Indonesia recorded the largest loss of forest in the ASEAN region.
2013: Increase of the ASEAN Defense Budget
From 2004 to 2013, the ASEAN defense budget rose by 147%.
2013: Target for Completion of Free Trade Agreements
In 2007, ASEAN aimed to complete free trade agreements (FTA) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand by 2013, which coincided with the intended start of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
2013: Outbreaks of Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia
In 2013, Southeast Asia experienced outbreaks of haze pollution.
January 2014: Concerns about the AEC launch
In January 2014, Rodolfo C. Severino, wrote about widespread concern that the much-anticipated AEC could not be launched by the 2015 deadline.
November 2014: Launch of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan
On 14 November 2014, foreign ministers of member states launched the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACPM) to communicate ASEAN's character and vision.
December 2015: Mutual Recognition Agreements Effective
Effective December 31, 2015, Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) agreed upon by ASEAN for eight professions allowed individuals in these professions to work in any ASEAN states.
December 2015: AEC commencement postponed to 31 December 2015
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
The ASEAN Community, initially planned to commence by 2020, was accelerated to begin by December 31, 2015.
2015: AEC implementation concerns
By 2015, concerns arose that protecting the Philippines' agricultural and financial services sectors, as well as the labour sector, would be necessary for the implementation of AEC.
2015: Target Year for AEC Establishment
By 2015, the AEC Scorecard outlined specific actions that must be undertaken collectively and individually to establish the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
2015: AEC Deadline
By 2015, the Asian Development Bank had doubts about Cambodia's ability to meet the AEC deadline and implement its National Single Window.
2015: Target for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
By the end of 2015, ASEAN aimed to achieve economic integration by creating the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to establish a single market.
2015: ASEAN Economic Community Target
By the end of 2015, the free trade measures planned and executed by several sector bodies, guided by the provisions and requirements of ATIGA and the Agreement on Customs were meant to establish the ASEAN Economic Community.
2015: Corruption Perceptions Index 2015
Following the release of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2015, Srirak Plipat, noted that corruption is a common challenge uniting the Asia-Pacific region.
2015: Target for Bilateral Trade with India
In 2012, bilateral trade with India crossed the US$70 billion target (target was to reach the level by 2015).
2015: Economic Zones Overview
In 2015, ASEAN countries featured many economic zones, including industrial parks, eco-industrial parks, special economic zones, technology parks, and innovation districts.
2015: Outbreaks of Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia
In 2015, Southeast Asia experienced outbreaks of haze pollution.
2015: Joint ASEAN navy proposal
In 2015, a proposal to create a joint ASEAN navy to carry on operations in the strait of Malacca was discussed, but was eventually enforced by bilateral/sub-regional efforts instead.
2015: Concerns raised about ASEAN Economic Community deadline
In 2015, business and economy experts at the Lippo-UPH Dialogue cited unresolved issues and warned against high expectations for the ASEAN Economic Community.
2015: Formation of ASEAN Economic Community
In 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community was formed, but the group deferred about 20% of the harmonization provisions needed to create a common market.
2015: Tourist Arrivals in ASEAN
In 2015, tourist arrivals to ASEAN reached 109 million, up by 34% compared to 81 million tourists in 2011.
2015: Trade Liberalization and Banking Integration
In 2015, trade liberalization with ASEAN integration necessitated ASEAN banking institutions to accommodate and expand services intra-ASEAN, though experts forecast a shaky economic transition.
July 2016: China Assures ASEAN on Scarborough Shoal
At the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers summit on July 24, 2016, China assured ASEAN that it would not conduct land reclamation on the Scarborough Shoal.
2016: Aiming for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)
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 for 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: Rohingya Genocide
In August 2017, the Rohingya genocide erupted in Myanmar, leading to a global outcry and demands for ASEAN to take action against the Myanmar government.
2017: Vietnam's solar and wind energy adoption
In 2017, Vietnam's solar and wind energy accounted for nearly zero percent of its electricity mix, a stark contrast to the 13% achieved by 2022.
2017: Political, Military and Ethnic Affairs in Myanmar
Since 2017, political, military and ethnic affairs in Myanmar have posed unusual challenges for ASEAN.
2018: ASEAN as Outperforming Economies
In 2018, eight of the ASEAN members were among the world's outperforming economies, indicating a positive long-term prospect for the region.
2018: Maritime Security Plan of Action
In 2018-2020, member states created and enforced the Maritime Security Plan of Action to address the national legal enforcement capacities and create a common protocol of action to counter piracy.
June 2019: Music at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok
In June 2019, new music was composed and performed at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, highlighting the role of music in ASEAN affairs.
July 2019: ASEAN Population
As of July 2019, the population of ASEAN was about 655 million people, which is 8.5% of the world population. 55.2 million children were age 0–4 and 46.3 million people were older than 65.
2019: Projected Economic Growth of ASEAN
In 2019, ASEAN's aggregate economy was expected to grow by 4.6%.
2019: Challenges toward integration due to non-tariff barriers
In 2019, a report identified multiple sectors facing challenges towards integration due to non-tariff barriers that still exist in the region.
2019: Vietnam's emergence as a regional leader in renewable energy
Since 2019, Vietnam has emerged as a regional leader in the adoption of solar and wind energy.
2019: 38th Anniversary of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF)
The annual event in 2019 in Ha Long marks the 38th anniversary of the ASEAN Tourism Forum and involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member states of ASEAN.
June 2020: Increase of piracy incidents in Asia
In June 2020, the ReCAAP report highlighted the increase of piracy incidents in Asia, raising alerts in the region as the phenomenon of piracy could be fostered by the social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Potential for Renewable Energy in ASEAN
As of 2020, ASEAN has significant opportunities for renewable energy development, including solar and wind power.
2020: Banking Integration Challenges
By 2020, the banking integration was expected to present challenges for ASEAN financial institutions, particularly for smaller players facing increased competition.
2020: Projected Economic Growth of ASEAN
In 2020, ASEAN's aggregate economy was expected to grow by 4.8%.
2020: ASEAN Energy Outlook Publication
In 2020, the ASEAN Centre for Energy published the sixth edition of the ASEAN Energy Outlook, analyzing and promoting the integration of national energy systems across the region.
2020: End of GDP Boost Period
On February 27, 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.
February 2021: Military Coup in Myanmar
On February 1, 2021, a military junta overthrew Myanmar's civilian government in a coup d'etat, imposing martial law and arresting elected leaders.
2022: Concerns Over PRC and ROC Incursions in the South China Sea
As of 2022, many Southeast Asian countries view the PRC and ROC's claims in the South China Sea as intrusive, reflecting concerns about Chinese expansionism.
2022: ASEAN's Economic Standing in 2022
In 2022, ASEAN's member states represented a population of more than 600 million people with a land area of over 4.5 million km. The bloc generated a purchasing power parity gross domestic product of around US$10.2 trillion, constituting approximately 6.5% of global GDP.
2022: ASEAN support of the One China policy
In 2022, following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, ASEAN and individual member states reiterated their support of the One China policy.
2022: Vietnam's solar and wind energy adoption
In 2022, solar and wind energy accounted for 13% of Vietnam's electricity mix, a significant increase from nearly zero in 2017.
2025: Challenges Towards Integration
By 2025, the AEC Blueprint goals may not be accomplished if ASEAN fails to address issues such as non-tariff measures and eliminate non-tariff barriers in the region.
2025: New Deadline for Common Market
In 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community deferred about 20% of the harmonization provisions needed to create a common market and set a new deadline of 2025.
2025: Renewable energy target
In 2025, ASEAN aimed to achieve a target of 23% renewables in the primary energy supply, which requires an annual investment of US$27 billion.
2025: Malaysia to chair ASEAN
Malaysia holds the position for the chairmanship of ASEAN for 2025.
2030: Projected Economic Growth
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
By 2050, ASEAN is projected to experience a tripling of energy demand, driven by a population of approximately 679 million inhabitants.
