ASEAN is the regional bloc of ten Southeast Asian states, founded in Bangkok in August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Its combined economy is the fifth-largest in the world by GDP, and its population of around 680 million makes it the third-largest grouping after China and India.
At a glance
- Founded: 1967 (Bangkok Declaration signed 8 August 1967)
- Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Official languages: English
- Website: asean.org
Mission
ASEAN's objectives are to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development; promote regional peace and stability; and provide a forum for resolving disputes peacefully. Decision-making operates by consensus, an approach often called the "ASEAN Way" — preferring quiet diplomacy and non-interference over public confrontation.
Structure
The ASEAN Summit of heads of state and government is the highest decision-making body, meeting twice a year. The Coordinating Council of foreign ministers prepares Summit decisions. The Secretariat in Jakarta supports day-to-day operations and is headed by a Secretary-General with a five-year term that rotates among member states alphabetically.
Member states
ASEAN has 10 member states. Membership current as of 2024-01.
Key facts
- ASEAN follows a "consensus-or-wait" approach: any single member can effectively block group action, which has limited the bloc's response to internal crises like Myanmar.
- The ASEAN Free Trade Area dates from 1992 and has progressively eliminated tariffs across the bloc.
- East Timor (Timor-Leste) has applied for membership; it was granted in-principle approval in 2022 but has not yet completed the accession process.
- The bloc has signed comprehensive partnerships with most major external economies, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which links it with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
- ASEAN's motto, "One Vision, One Identity, One Community", reflects its aspiration toward deeper integration despite stark political diversity.
Historic milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1967 | Founded by 5 states in Bangkok |
| 1984 | Brunei joins as the 6th member |
| 1995 | Vietnam joins |
| 1997 | Laos and Myanmar join |
| 1999 | Cambodia joins, completing the current 10 |
| 2015 | ASEAN Economic Community formally launched |
