Asean’s neutrality has always been lauded, but can it stand the test of time in the face of new geopolitical challenges

SINGAPORE, June 13 (Agencies): The long standing neutrality espoused by the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) is increasingly impeding rather than helping the 10-member bloc from asserting its interests in the face of new geopolitical challenges.

In fact, Asean is highly exposed to this intense geopolitical competition where economic giants such as China and the United States are eager to to assert their influence on this region.