ASEAN countries have relatively stables relationships which is something that ASEAN should really be proud of. But, ASEAN is also facing several pressing issues and challenges that need to be addressed accordingly to prevent unfortunate and dire events. Here are some of the most significant issues the Southeast Asian countries are currently facing.
Pandemic Preparedness
A few years ago the world faced one of the biggest collective challenges it has ever faced which is the COVID-19 Pandemic. While now it feels like the pandemic is over, but WHO hasn’t declared the end of the pandemic so technically, it’s still going on. During the pandemic, it becomes clear that most Southeast Asian countries aren’t ready to handle it properly.
The public health care system in most Southeast Asian countries were severely strained, lockdown protocols weren’t very effective, and a lot of people died especially in the rural areas even though the case fatality ratio of COVID-19 is relatively lower than SARS. Making sure that health care system would be ready for the next regional or global health issue happen is an important thing to do in Southeast Asia.
Terrorism
Countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia are still hotspots for terrorist organizations such as ISIS, MIT, JAD or JAT. Between 2023-2024, Indonesia’s Head Chief of Police or Kapolri said that per November 14 2024, 181 terrorists planning to execute terrorist attacks during the Christmas and New Year season has been arrested.
Even though the crackdown on terrorism has been going around for quite some time, but some Southeast Asians especially Christians and Catholics still feel a little nervous every time they have to go to worship places during Christmas season. The presence of full-armed police forces outside of churches during Christmas is a very common sight in Indonesia.
Geopolitical Tensions
Several ASEAN members such as Malaysia, Viet Nam and the Philippines have been having a long-standing issue with China over the South China Sea. That dispute is getting more heated in recent weeks when Chinese vessels are reported attacking Philippines vessels in the area. Because of that, relations between China and those countries are deteriorating.
The regional conflict could grow into bigger issues involving the United States since both the United States and China have been competing on spreading their influence across the globe, including in Southeast Asia. Because of this, several ASEAN countries could get caught between fostering economic relationships with China and security alliances with the United States.
Climate Change
Southeast Asia is very vulnerable to growing impacts of the climate change such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Many Southeast Asian countries are facing serious threats to their infrastructure and food security due to the rapid environmental changes. If this issue doesn’t get addressed properly, then so many lives would be destroyed.
The natural world in Southeast Asia is also facing existential threats from the agriculture expansion, illegal logging, illegal fishing, poachers, and rapid industrialization. Biodiversity in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia is disappearing in a very worrying rate and faces exacerbates degradation which could lead into a catastrophe.
