History of ASEAN in Timeline
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a political and economic alliance of 10 Southeast Asian countries. ASEAN member states have a combined population of over 600 million people and a land area of over 4.5 million km2. In 2022, the bloc's purchasing power parity (PPP) gross domestic product (GDP) was approximately US$10.2 trillion, accounting for about 6.5% of global GDP (PPP). ASEAN includes some of the world's fastest-growing economies and plays an important role in East Asian regionalism.
1909: Anglo-Siamese Treaty
The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, which resulted in territorial concessions from Siam to the British, exemplifies the political and territorial challenges faced by Southeast Asian nations during European colonialism.
1954: Formation of SEATO
SEATO, led by the US, UK, and Australia, was formed in 1954 with several Southeast Asian nations as part of the "containment" policy.
July 1961: Formation of ASA
The Association of Southeast Asia (ASA), consisting of Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaya, was formed in July 1961. This organization preceded ASEAN.
August 1967: Formation of ASEAN
ASEAN was established in August 1967 when the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand signed the ASEAN Declaration. The declaration outlined goals for regional development, peace, cooperation, and studies.
1970: South Korea's Call for an Asian Common Market
South Korea called for an Asian Common Market in 1970.
April 1975: Impact of the Vietnam War's End
Following the end of the Vietnam War in April 1975 and the decline of SEATO, ASEAN countries experienced increased cohesion and political independence.
1976: Formal Cooperation in Tourism Begins
Cooperation in tourism within ASEAN was formalized in 1976 with the formation of the Sub-Committee on Tourism (SCOT) under the ASEAN Committee on Trade and Tourism.
1976: First ASEAN Summit
The first ASEAN summit, held in Bali, Indonesia, in 1976, resulted in agreements on industrial projects, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and the Declaration of Concord.
1976: First ASEAN Summit Held
The inaugural ASEAN Summit was convened in Bali in 1976.
1978: Vietnamese Invasion of Cambodia
In 1978, Vietnam invaded Cambodia with Soviet backing, an action rejected by ASEAN as a violation of regional integration principles.
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 cooperation in information and culture.
1980: ASEAN's Role in Cambodian Peace Process
Starting in 1980, ASEAN played a significant role in the Cambodian peace process.
October 1981: 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum Held
The 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum took place in Kuala Lumpur from October 18-26, 1981.
1981: ASEAN Tourism Forum Established
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) was created in 1981 as a platform for NGOs, government officials, industry stakeholders, and media to promote ASEAN as a unified tourist destination.
January 1984: Brunei Joins ASEAN
Brunei joined ASEAN as its sixth member in January 1984.
1986: ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism Established
In 1986, ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism (APCT) were set up in various locations globally, including Hong Kong, West Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand, Japan, and North America.
1987: Third ASEAN Summit Held
The third ASEAN Summit, held in Manila in 1987, established a five-year interval for summit meetings.
1988: Japan's Suggestion for an Asian Network
Japan suggested creating an Asian Network in 1988.
1989: Start of High Economic Growth Period
From 1989 to 2009, ASEAN member states experienced significant economic growth, averaging between 3.8% and 7%, surpassing the average growth of APEC.
1990: Malaysia's Proposal for an East Asia Economic Caucus
Malaysia proposed the East Asia Economic Caucus in 1990 to counter US influence in the region, but it failed due to opposition from the US and Japan.
1991: Paris Agreement on Cambodia
The 1991 Paris Agreement on Cambodia was a result of the peace process that ASEAN had a major role in.
January 1992: ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Established
In January 1992, the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) was established with the goal of promoting the free flow of goods between member states through the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT). Initially, AFTA included six members, with newer members like Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia joining later with extended timelines to fulfill tariff reduction obligations.
January 1992: Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme Adopted
The Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme was adopted in January 1992 to phase out tariffs and enhance the region's competitive advantage as a production base. This framework led to the signing of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement in Singapore on January 28, 1992.
1992: Fourth ASEAN Summit Held
During the fourth ASEAN Summit in Singapore in 1992, the decision was made to increase the frequency of summit meetings to every three years.
1994: Establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was established in 1994 to foster dialogue, consultation, confidence-building, and preventive diplomacy in the region.
July 1995: Vietnam Joins ASEAN
Following the Cold War, Vietnam became ASEAN's seventh member in July 1995.
November 1995: Establishment of the ASEAN University Network (AUN)
The ASEAN University Network (AUN) was founded in November 1995 to promote cooperation among ASEAN academics and scholars.
December 1995: ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services (AFAS) Adopted
The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services (AFAS) was adopted at the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in December 1995, initiating rounds of negotiations to liberalize trade in services with increasing levels of commitment.
December 1995: Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Signing
The Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty was signed in December 1995 with the aim of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia.
1996: Initiation of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), an informal dialogue process, was initiated in 1996 to strengthen cooperation between European and Asian countries, particularly the EU and ASEAN members.
1996: First ASEAN Plus Three Leaders' Meetings
The initial ASEAN Plus Three leaders' meetings were held in 1996 to address Asia-Europe Meeting issues.
March 1997: Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Takes Effect
In March 1997, the treaty went into effect after almost every member state had ratified it.
July 1997: Laos and Myanmar Join ASEAN
Laos and Myanmar joined ASEAN in July 1997.
1997: Creation of ASEAN Plus Three
In 1997, ASEAN Plus Three, comprising ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea, was created to promote regional cooperation.
1997: Second ASEAN Plus Three Leaders' Meetings
More ASEAN Plus Three leader's meetings were held in 1997.
1997: Start of ASEAN Plus Three Process
The ASEAN Plus Three process began in 1997, focusing on areas beyond finance, such as food and energy security, financial cooperation, and disaster management.
1997: Asian Currency Unit (ACU) Concept Emerges
The concept of an Asian Currency Unit (ACU), a proposed basket of Asian currencies similar to the European Currency Unit, emerged in the mid-1990s before the 1997 Asian financial crisis, with the Asian Development Bank exploring its feasibility.
1997: Limited Cross-Border Electricity Trade in ASEAN Despite Efforts
Despite efforts initiated in 1997 to establish an ASEAN Power Grid and facilitate trade, cross-border electricity trade within ASEAN remained limited. Electricity trade constituted only around 5% of generation, significantly lower than the trade volumes for coal and gas.
1997: ASEAN Vision 2020 Adoption
In 1997, during their 30th anniversary meeting in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN leaders adopted Vision 2020. This plan aimed to create a single ASEAN community focused on peace, stability, economic integration, and sustainable development, among other goals. It also envisioned ASEAN playing a larger role in international affairs.
April 1999: Cambodia Joins ASEAN
After a delay due to political instability, Cambodia joined ASEAN in April 1999.
1999: Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation
The Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation was implemented in 1999 at the Manila Summit, leading to periodic consultations between ASEAN Plus Three finance ministers.
2000: ASEAN Energy Demand Growth and Fossil Fuel Dependence
Since 2000, ASEAN's energy demand has grown by over 80%, primarily driven by a doubling of fossil fuel use.
June 2001: Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Fully Effective
In June 2001, with the Philippines' ratification, the treaty became fully effective and all nuclear weapons were banned within the region.
2001: Environmental Challenges in ASEAN
In 2001, ASEAN countries faced significant environmental issues. Indonesia experienced the most substantial forest loss in the region between 2001 and 2013.
2001: ASEAN Summits to be Held Annually
In 2001, it was determined that ASEAN Summits would be held annually to address pressing regional matters.
2002: ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution was signed in 2002 to address haze pollution in Southeast Asia.
2003: Bali Concord II
The Bali Concord II, signed in 2003, formalized ASEAN Vision 2020 and established the three pillars of the ASEAN Community: Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural.
2004: Start of ASEAN Defense Budget Increase Period
From 2004, the ASEAN defense budget saw a significant rise, increasing by 147% until 2013.
December 2005: ASEAN Education Collaboration
In December 2005, ASEAN leaders emphasized regional education collaboration at the 11th ASEAN Summit.
December 2005: First East Asia Summit Held
The first East Asia Summit (EAS) took place in Kuala Lumpur on December 14, 2005, involving leaders from eighteen East Asian countries, with ASEAN playing a central role.
2005: Haze Outbreak
A haze outbreak occurred in Southeast Asia in 2005, despite the agreement signed in 2002.
2006: Haze Outbreak
Another haze outbreak occurred in Southeast Asia in 2006.
2006: ASEAN and UN Partnership
In 2006, ASEAN was granted observer status at the UN General Assembly, and ASEAN designated the UN as a "dialogue partner".
July 2007: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Membership
As of July 2007, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) consisted of twenty-seven participants, including all ASEAN member states and other countries like Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, the EU, India, Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia, East Timor, the United States, and Sri Lanka. Taiwan was excluded.
August 2007: ASEAN Aims for Free Trade Agreements
In August 2007, ASEAN announced its goal of completing free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand by 2013, aligning with the planned start of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
November 2007: ASEAN Charter Signing
The ASEAN Charter was signed in November 2007.
November 2007: Adoption of AEC Blueprint
The blueprint for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was adopted in November 2007 during the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore. It laid out the plan for economic integration, including a single market and production base, and aimed to create a highly competitive and globally integrated economic region.
November 2007: ASEAN Charter Signed, Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security
In November 2007, ASEAN signed the ASEAN Charter, establishing the group as an international legal entity, and the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security, focusing on alternative energy sources.
2007: ASEAN Import Duty Reductions Begin
Starting in 2007, ASEAN countries initiated a process of gradually reducing import duties among member states, targeting zero import duties by 2016.
2007: Financial Crisis and the Charter
The financial crisis of 2007-2008 threatened the goals of the ASEAN Charter.
2007: Decision to Accelerate ASEAN Community Formation
During the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in 2007, the decision was made to accelerate the formation of the ASEAN Community from the original target date of 2020 to December 31, 2015.
December 2008: Restrictions on Air Travel Lifted
On December 1, 2008, restrictions on the third and fourth freedoms of the air for passenger services between capital cities of ASEAN member states were removed as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM).
December 2008: ASEAN Charter Comes into Force
The ASEAN Charter took effect in December 2008, formalizing various aspects of the organization's operations, including the frequency of ASEAN Summits.
December 2008: ASEAN Charter Launch
In December 2008, the ASEAN Charter, signed in November 2007, was launched in Jakarta, establishing ASEAN as a legal entity and aiming for a single trade bloc.
2008: Financial Crisis and the Charter
The financial crisis of 2007-2008 threatened the goals of the ASEAN Charter.
January 2009: Full Liberalization of Air Freight Services
Starting January 1, 2009, full liberalization of air freight services within the ASEAN region took effect as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM) initiative.
February 2009: ASEAN Signs Free Trade Agreement with Australia and New Zealand
In February 2009, ASEAN signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Australia and New Zealand. Projections suggested this agreement would significantly boost the combined GDP of the 12 countries involved by over US$48 billion between 2000 and 2020.
February 2009: Proposed Human Rights Body
The idea for an ASEAN human rights body was proposed in February 2009, sparking debate due to its limited power to impose sanctions.
May 2009: ASEAN Response to H1N1
In May 2009, ASEAN and ASEAN+3 health ministers met to address the H1N1 pandemic, agreeing on measures like establishing hotlines and joint response teams.
2009: Haze Outbreak
A haze outbreak occurred in Southeast Asia in 2009.
2009: Adoption of Blueprints for APSC and ASCC
In 2009, blueprints for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) were adopted in Cha-am, Thailand. These blueprints provided a roadmap for achieving the goals set out in the Bali Concord II for the 2015 integration target.
2009: China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund Announced
The China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund was announced in 2009 by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
2009: End of High Economic Growth Period
The period of high economic growth for ASEAN member states, which began in 1989 and averaged between 3.8% and 7%, concluded in 2009.
2009: FDI at US$37.9 billion
In 2009, realized foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN was US$37.9 billion, which doubled the following year. The majority of trade within ASEAN was focused on exports outside the region, excluding Laos and Myanmar, who traded primarily within ASEAN.
January 2010: ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Takes Full Effect
The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) went into full effect on January 1, 2010.
May 2010: Proposal of ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration
The ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was proposed in May 2010 at the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting in Hanoi. The goal was to reduce reliance on non-ASEAN defense imports and strengthen the region's defense industry.
October 2010: Establishment of East Asia Vision Group II
The East Asia Vision Group II (EAVG II) was established in October 2010 in Hanoi to review and guide future cooperation within ASEAN Plus Three.
2010: Intra-ASEAN Travel Increases with Visa-Free Travel
With the implementation of visa-free travel among ASEAN member states, intra-ASEAN travel saw a significant rise. In 2010, 47% (34 million) of the 73 million tourists in ASEAN countries originated from within the bloc.
2010: China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund Begins Operations
The China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund, backed by various institutions including the Export-Import Bank of China, commenced operations in 2010, focusing on investments in Southeast Asia.
2010: First Publication of AEC Scorecard
The first official AEC Scorecard was published in 2010, providing a quantitative assessment of member states' progress towards implementing the AEC agreements.
2010: Plastic Waste Dumping in ASEAN
In 2010, data revealed that five ASEAN member states were among the top ten worst plastic waste polluters globally, with Indonesia ranking second.
2010: Increase in FDI
In 2010, realized foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN doubled to US$75.8 billion, compared to US$37.9 billion in 2009, with major sources including the European Union, ASEAN countries, Japan, and the United States. Up until the end of 2010, intra-ASEAN trade remained low, primarily involving exports to countries outside the region, except for Laos and Myanmar, whose trade was ASEAN-oriented.
January 2011: Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights Liberalized
On January 1, 2011, full liberalization of fifth freedom traffic rights between all capital cities of ASEAN member states came into effect under the ASEAN-SAM policy.
May 2011: Formal Adoption of ADIC
The ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was formally adopted in May 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia, aiming to boost ASEAN's security capabilities through industrial and technological development and intra-ASEAN defense trade.
November 2011: China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund Established
In November 2011, the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund was established with funding from China, valued at RMB 3 billion.
November 2011: Establishment of Vocational Schools in China for ASEAN
Ten vocational schools were established in China in November 2011 to support human resource development in ASEAN countries.
2011: Growth in ASEAN recorded
ASEAN welcomed 81 million tourists in 2011
2011: United States and Russia Join East Asia Summit
The United States and Russia were included in the East Asia Summit in 2011, expanding the forum's membership.
January 2012: ASEAN Tourism Ministers Call for Marketing Strategy
In January 2012, ASEAN tourism ministers advocated for the creation of a marketing strategy to guide the future direction of ASEAN tourism until 2015.
March 2012: ASEAN Media Cooperation (AMC) and Digital Television Transition
On March 1, 2012, ASEAN Media Cooperation (AMC) focused on digital television standards and policies to facilitate the transition from analogue broadcasting.
November 2012: ASEAN Human Rights Declaration Adoption
The ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, adopted in November 2012, drew international criticism for its wording and omissions of key rights.
2012: Increased Contention in ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Statements
Prior to 2012, ASEAN foreign ministerial statements were generally not contentious. However, from 2012 onwards, the statements became more politically charged, particularly due to international disagreements over the South China Sea.
2012: Concerns about the Philippines' Readiness for ASEAN Economic Integration
In 2012, the Philippines was seen as potentially not ready to benefit from the upcoming ASEAN integration. Concerns were raised about the country's economic performance, particularly in employment, tourism, life expectancy, and cellular subscriptions.
2012: Postponement of AEC Commencement
In 2012, the commencement of the AEC was postponed to December 31, 2015, from its original target date.
2012: ASEAN-India Bilateral Trade Exceeds Target
Bilateral trade between ASEAN and India surpassed the target of US$70 billion in 2012, achieving a goal set for 2015.
2012: Second Publication of AEC Scorecard
A second official AEC Scorecard was published in 2012, continuing to monitor the progress of AEC implementation.
February 2013: ASEAN Initiates RCEP Negotiations
From February 26-28, 2013, ASEAN and six major trading partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea) commenced the first round of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Bali, Indonesia. This partnership, an extension of existing agreements, aimed to encompass a significant portion of the global population and GDP.
2013: Haze Outbreak
A haze outbreak occurred in Southeast Asia in 2013.
2013: Target for Completion of Free Trade Agreements
ASEAN set a target of 2013 for completing free trade agreements with several countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand, in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community.
2013: Environmental Challenges in ASEAN
By 2013, Indonesia's deforestation remained a major concern within ASEAN, exceeding the combined forest loss of other member states during the 2001-2013 period.
2013: End of ASEAN Defense Budget Increase Period
By 2013, the ASEAN defense budget had increased by 147% since 2004, with further increases anticipated. This increase was attributed to economic growth, the need to replace aging equipment, and plans to develop the defense industry.
2013: Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index Ranks ASEAN Countries
The 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) report ranked several ASEAN countries among the top destinations in the Asia Pacific region.
January 2014: Concerns about AEC 2015 Deadline
In January 2014, concerns arose that the AEC might not launch by its 2015 deadline, potentially impacting ASEAN's credibility and competitiveness in export markets and foreign direct investment.
November 2014: Launch of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACPM)
The ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACPM) was launched in November 2014 to enhance communication about ASEAN's vision and structure.
December 2015: Launch of ASEAN Community
The ASEAN Community, initially planned for 2020, was launched in December 2015. This marked a significant step towards regional integration, encompassing political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
December 2015: AEC Launch Date
The AEC's launch date was set for December 2015, though concerns about meeting this deadline persisted.
December 2015: Free Movement of Professionals in ASEAN
Effective December 31, 2015, individuals in eight professions (physicians, dentists, nurses, architects, engineers, accountants, surveyors, and tourism professionals) were granted free movement to work in any ASEAN state under Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).
2015: ASEAN Economic Community Formed, Deadline Extended
The ASEAN Economic Community was formed in 2015, although approximately 20% of the harmonization provisions for a common market were deferred, with a new deadline set for 2025.
2015: Vietnam and Cambodia's Challenges with the AEC
In 2015, as the AEC deadline approached, concerns surfaced regarding Vietnamese businesses' lack of knowledge about the AEC and its implications. Similar concerns were raised about Cambodia's customs reform and trade processes.
2015: AEC Scorecard and Integration
With the 2015 integration approaching, the AEC Scorecard was used to track progress towards the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. This tool measured the degree of integration and economic health of the region.
2015: Target Start Date for ASEAN Economic Community
2015 was the target start date for the ASEAN Economic Community, aligned with the completion of free trade agreements with various countries.
2015: ASEAN Banking Integration Challenges
In anticipation of the 2015 ASEAN integration and subsequent trade liberalization, concerns emerged about the preparedness of banking institutions, particularly smaller ones, for increased competition within the single market.
2015: Corruption Concerns in ASEAN
In 2015, corruption remained a significant challenge in ASEAN, hindering business transactions and public services.
2015: Challenges in ASEAN Cooperation Against Piracy
In 2015, ASEAN faced challenges in coordinating a response to piracy due to the localized nature of the problem and differing interests among member states regarding joint naval operations and territorial disputes. A proposal for a joint ASEAN navy for the Strait of Malacca was considered but ultimately led to bilateral and sub-regional efforts.
2015: Concerns about ASEAN Integration Plan
Experts raised concerns about the 2015 deadline for the ASEAN integration plan, citing unresolved issues in aviation, agriculture, and human resources.
2015: ASEAN Economic Community Establishment Target
By the end of 2015, ASEAN aimed to establish the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), supported by the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Agreement on Customs, to achieve free trade targets.
2015: ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Target
By the end of 2015, ASEAN aimed to establish the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to create a single market and promote economic integration. This involved creating a single market and production base, a competitive economic region, equitable economic development, and full integration into the global economy.
2015: The Philippines and the Launch of the AEC
By 2015, with the launch of the AEC approaching, there were still concerns about the Philippines' readiness, particularly in its agricultural, financial services, and labor sectors. The size and competitiveness of Philippine banks compared to regional counterparts were also highlighted as potential issues.
2015: Haze Outbreak and Limited Progress
As of 2015, thirteen years after the agreement, the haze situation remained a recurring crisis in Southeast Asia, with outbreaks in 2015 demonstrating limited progress.
2015: ASEAN Tourism Continues Growth
ASEAN welcomed 109 million tourists in 2015, marking a 34% increase compared to 2011, demonstrating the resilience and growth of the tourism sector despite global economic difficulties.
2015: Comprehensive List of ASEAN Economic Zones Published
A comprehensive list of ASEAN economic zones, including industrial parks, eco-industrial parks, special economic zones, technology parks, and innovation districts, was published in 2015.
July 2016: China's Assurance on Scarborough Shoal
During the July 2016 China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers summit, China assured ASEAN that it would not conduct land reclamation on the Scarborough Shoal. The summit emphasized implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
2016: Target for Zero Import Duties
ASEAN aimed to achieve zero import duties among member states by 2016, following a gradual reduction process initiated in 2007.
2016: Adoption of APSC Blueprint
The ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint, adopted during the 14th ASEAN Summit, aimed to create a secure and stable environment within the region by 2016. It was based on the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN Security Community Plan of Action, and the Vientiane Action Program.
August 2017: Rohingya Genocide and ASEAN's Response
The Rohingya genocide, which began in August 2017, put pressure on ASEAN to respond to the crisis and the actions of the Myanmar government.
2017: Vietnam's Solar and Wind Energy Starting Point
In 2017, Vietnam had almost no solar and wind energy in its electricity mix.
2017: Myanmar Challenges ASEAN
Starting in 2017, political issues in Myanmar presented challenges to ASEAN, impacting its unity and global standing.
2018: Maritime Security Plan of Action
The Maritime Security Plan of Action 2018-2020 was implemented to enhance national legal enforcement capacities and establish common protocols against piracy in the region.
2018: Eight ASEAN Members Among Outperforming Economies
In 2018, eight ASEAN member states were recognized as among the world's outperforming economies, indicating a positive long-term outlook for the region.
June 2019: Music at the 34th ASEAN Summit
New music was composed for the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in June 2019.
July 2019: ASEAN Population Statistics
As of July 2019, the population of ASEAN was approximately 655 million, which makes up about 8.5% of the global population. Children aged 0-4 comprised 8.4% of the population, while people over 65 made up 7.1%. The annual population growth rate was 1.1%, ranging from 0.2% in Thailand to 1.9% in Cambodia.
2019: ASEAN Economic Growth and Environmental Concerns
In 2019, ASEAN's economy was projected to grow by 4.6%, but with a significant environmental cost, releasing about 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2.
2019: Traders Utilize ACFTA to Bypass Ethanol Tariffs
In 2019, a mechanism was highlighted that allowed traders to circumvent the 70% tariff imposed by China on ethanol imported from the United States. This involved importing the ethanol into Malaysia, mixing it with a minimum of 40% ASEAN-produced fuel, and then re-exporting it to China tariff-free under ACFTA regulations.
2019: Vietnam's Solar and Wind Energy Adoption
Since 2019, Vietnam emerged as a leader in solar and wind energy adoption within ASEAN.
2019: 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum Held
The 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum took place in Ha Long in 2019, marking the continued efforts to promote tourism within the region.
2019: Challenges to ASEAN Integration
A 2019 report identified non-tariff barriers as a major challenge to achieving the integration goals set out in the AEC Blueprint 2025.
June 2020: Piracy and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
In June 2020, a rise in piracy incidents, potentially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, raised concerns in the region. ASEAN ministers agreed on the need for stronger measures against transnational crime.
2020: Target Date for ASEAN Vision 2020
2020 was the initial target date for the realization of the goals laid out in ASEAN Vision 2020, which included the establishment of a single ASEAN community with focuses on political security, economic matters, and socio-cultural aspects.
2020: ASEAN Economic Growth and Environmental Concerns
ASEAN's economy was expected to grow by 4.8% in 2020, but its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, remained a concern for climate change.
2020: Renewable Energy Opportunities in ASEAN
In 2020, ASEAN had significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. Vietnam's progress served as a positive example.
2020: Projected Banking Integration Challenges
Reports by Standard & Poor's (S&P) in the lead-up to the 2020 banking integration highlighted the challenges faced by ASEAN financial institutions, particularly in the Philippines, due to increased competition from larger foreign banks.
2020: Sixth Edition of ASEAN Energy Outlook Published
The ASEAN Centre for Energy published the sixth edition of the ASEAN Energy Outlook in 2020, analyzing and promoting the integration of national energy systems across the region.
2020: Original Target Date for ASEAN Community
The ASEAN Community was initially planned to be established by 2020, but was later expedited to December 2015.
February 2021: 2021 Myanmar coup d'état
In February 2021, the military junta of Myanmar seized control of the government from the elected civilian officials. They declared a national state of emergency, established martial law, arrested civilian leaders, and violently suppressed any dissent.
November 2022: Ukraine Urges ASEAN to Condemn Russia
In November 2022, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on ASEAN countries to abandon neutrality and condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
2022: Vietnam's Solar and Wind Energy Achievement
By 2022, solar and wind energy accounted for 13% of Vietnam's electricity mix, up from almost zero in 2017.
2022: ASEAN Reaffirms One China Policy
Following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022, ASEAN and its member states reiterated their support for the One China policy.
2022: ASEAN Economic Performance
In 2022, ASEAN's combined GDP based on purchasing power parity was about US$10.2 trillion, which made up roughly 6.5% of the world's GDP (PPP).
2022: South China Sea Disputes and Chinese Expansionism
In 2022, multiple incursions into the South China Sea by China and Taiwan, coupled with existing overlapping claims by various countries, were perceived as a threat of Chinese expansionism in the region by many Southeast Asian nations.
2025: ASEAN's Renewable Energy Target
ASEAN aimed to achieve 23% renewables in its primary energy supply by 2025.
2025: New Deadline for Common Market Harmonization
After deferring some harmonization provisions in 2015, ASEAN set a new deadline of 2025 to complete the necessary requirements for a common market.
2025: Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship
Malaysia is scheduled to hold the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.
2025: AEC Blueprint 2025 Goals
The AEC Blueprint 2025 outlined goals for significant economic integration within ASEAN.
2030: ASEAN Projected as Fourth Largest Economy
The ASEAN Secretariat projected that ASEAN would become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030.
2050: ASEAN's Energy Demand Growth and Transition
ASEAN's energy demand is projected to triple by 2050, requiring significant investment in renewable energy sources.