The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has long been a central platform for regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, promoting economic integration, political dialogue, and cultural exchange.
As it evolves to meet new global and regional challenges, ASEAN is considering expanding its membership to include three countries that, while geographically or culturally adjacent, are not yet full members: Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, and Papua New Guinea.
Each of these nations brings a unique set of strengths, challenges, and strategic considerations to the table. Their potential accession to ASEAN could significantly reshape the geopolitical and economic landscape of the region.
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is the most advanced in its path toward ASEAN membership. Gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, it is one of the youngest countries in the world.
Since then, Timor-Leste has consistently expressed strong interest in joining ASEAN, both to strengthen its regional ties and to benefit from the economic and political cooperation the organization provides.
In 2011, it formally applied for membership, and in 2022, ASEAN granted Timor-Leste observer status, a crucial step toward full membership.
Timor-Leste’s candidacy is supported by its geographic location, as it lies within Southeast Asia and shares cultural and historical ties with its neighbors.
However, there are still hurdles to overcome. One major concern is the country’s limited economic development and administrative capacity.
With a small population and an economy heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues, Timor-Leste will need to diversify and strengthen its domestic institutions to meet ASEAN's expectations.
Nevertheless, its commitment to democratic governance, its progress on human development indicators, and its strategic location in the Timor Sea make it a compelling candidate. ASEAN's support for Timor-Leste also reflects its broader goal of regional inclusivity and cohesion.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s potential entry into ASEAN reflects a broader ambition to build stronger ties between South and Southeast Asia.
Though geographically located in South Asia, Bangladesh shares cultural, historical, and economic connections with several ASEAN countries, particularly Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand.
With a rapidly growing economy, a population of over 170 million, and a strategic location along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh presents itself as a significant partner for trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
For Bangladesh, ASEAN membership would offer access to a dynamic regional market, enhance its diplomatic profile, and deepen its involvement in regional security and infrastructure initiatives.
The country has already participated in ASEAN-affiliated forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), which includes ASEAN members like Thailand and Myanmar.
However, challenges remain. Political and human rights concerns, particularly relating to the Rohingya refugee crisis and governance issues, have at times strained its relationships with neighboring countries.
Additionally, ASEAN traditionally focuses on Southeast Asia, and expanding to include a South Asian nation could require rethinking the group’s regional identity and scope.
Still, Bangladesh's increasing economic clout and its active engagement in regional diplomacy make it a candidate worth watching.
Its inclusion could foster stronger connectivity between South and Southeast Asia, supporting regional supply chains, energy cooperation, and infrastructure development.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) represents another unique case in ASEAN’s expansion considerations. Although located in the Pacific, PNG is geographically close to Southeast Asia, sharing a land border with the Indonesian province of Papua.
It has long-standing relationships with ASEAN countries and has been an observer at several ASEAN meetings. PNG is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), placing it within broader regional frameworks that overlap with ASEAN interests.
PNG’s rich natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas, give it strategic economic value. However, the country faces significant development challenges, including political instability, weak infrastructure, and limited human capital.
The diversity of its population and the ruggedness of its terrain further complicate national governance and economic planning.
Despite these obstacles, PNG has shown interest in closer integration with Southeast Asia, viewing ASEAN as a platform for economic cooperation, investment, and development assistance.
For ASEAN, incorporating Papua New Guinea could strengthen regional outreach into the Pacific and support greater connectivity in maritime Southeast Asia. It also aligns with the organization's aim to maintain open and inclusive regionalism.
However, like with Bangladesh, expanding beyond the traditional geographic boundaries of Southeast Asia could prompt debates over ASEAN’s core identity and strategic focus.
