Question on ASEAN stumped Hegseth at Senate hearing. What is it and why is it important?

Describe what type of alliance the U.S. had with the countries and how many countries were involved in the bloc.

Senator Hegseth stated during the contentious Senate confirmation hearing that he couldn’t specify the exact number of ASEAN nations, but assured that “I know we have allies in South Korea and Japan, secured through our partnership in AUKUS with Australia.”

I’m not aware of those three countries being part of ASEAN,” Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, said. “Perhaps if you did some research, you’d find it helpful.

What is ASEAN and why is it relevant to the United States?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. East Timor has been voted in as the organization’s 11th member.

Founded in 1967, the organization aims to foster regional economic and security collaboration, benefiting from a combined population of over 650 million individuals and a GDP exceeding $3 trillion.

Duckworth’s question followed Hegseth’s observation about the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific area, a region where China’s influence has been expanding rapidly.

One of the world’s most important shipping routes. Indonesia has also expressed worry about what it views as China’s trespass into its exclusive economic zone.

What is the significance of ASEAN in the context of the US Secretary of Defense?

The U.S. is treaty partners with ASEAN member countries Thailand and the Philippines, and the U.S. has been trying to use ASEAN’s regional influence to counter China’s influence and promote a region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient, as described by the White House.

in 2022.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also holds annual meetings at the highest level, this year taking place in Malaysia, which currently serves as the organization’s rotating leader.

have participated.

What is the significance of ASEAN?

Although some members of the bloc have disputes with China, many others have close ties with Beijing, and high-ranking Chinese officials also regularly attend ASEAN meetings.

In 2022, the U.S. achieved the top-level “comprehensive strategic partnership” with ASEAN, a largely symbolic status that put Washington on the same level as China, which was given this distinction the previous year.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) places a strong emphasis on non-interference and personal diplomacy, and with its diverse membership and numerous partnerships, it stands out as a unique platform for resolving significant global geopolitical issues.

Beyond China and the U.S., ASEAN has established diplomatic relationships with countries such as Russia, India, Australia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, among others.

It holds annual “ASEAN Plus Three” meetings with leaders from China, South Korea, and Japan, “ASEAN Plus Six” talks that include leaders from Australia, India, and New Zealand, and the East Asia summit, which involves the six nations plus Russia and the United States.

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The 10 countries plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand comprise more than 30% of the world’s population and account for approximately 30% of global GDP. Formulated at the ASEAN 2011 summit, the agreement includes agreements on trade in goods and services, investments, and other areas.

The CPTPP, which also includes Mexico, Canada, Australia, Britain, Chile, Peru, and Japan, accounts for more than 14% of global GDP.