A shared vision for security: Asean and China's global security initiatives

China's Global Security Initiatives (GSI) have brought a fresh perspective to international relations, generating lively debates among policymakers worldwide.

These proposed initiatives have particularly piqued interest within Asean, where six key GSI commitments resonate with the fundamental principles that Asean was built upon—cooperation, sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and comprehensive security.

China's GSI and Asean share a vision for 'common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.' This approach is evident in Asean’s Regional Forum (ARF), the region's primary platform for multilateral security dialogue.

The GSI's second commitment, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligns with Asean’s principles outlined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).

The shared respect for these principles is clear in the South China Sea disputes, where Asean promotes peaceful resolutions while upholding territorial integrity.

Similarly, both Asean and GSI adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, reflecting their commitment to multilateralism and international law.

Both entities also champion indivisible security, emphasising that one nation's security should not come at the expense of another's.

This principle is exemplified by Asean’s regional management of transboundary issues such as the haze problem.

The GSI's commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes aligns with Asean’s long-standing conflict management strategy.

Furthermore, the GSI's commitment to security across traditional and non-traditional domains mirrors Asean's evolving security discourse, as seen in their agreement on disaster management and emergency response.

However, the real impact of the alignment between GSI commitments and Asean principles on regional security dynamics depends mainly on their practical implementation.

The complexities of regional geopolitics and the unique socio-cultural dynamics of Southeast Asia imply that these principles serve as guiding posts rather than definitive markers.

The implementation of GSI necessitates a delicate balance between national and regional interests. For instance, China's economically promising Belt and Road Initiative has also brought to light certain environmental concerns. These highlight the importance of developing strategies that encourage economic growth and preserve the environment. Here, Asean's approach, marked by consensus-building, respectful dialogue, and appreciation for diverse perspectives, could serve as a guiding compass.

Cybersecurity has become a pressing global issue in the digital transformation age.

The digital revolution, while promoting unparalleled connectivity and access to information, has also opened doors to new vulnerabilities ripe for exploitation. This situation extends the issue of cybersecurity beyond national borders, warranting a cooperative, transnational response.

Against this backdrop, the Asean-China nexus offers an exciting avenue for collaboration. Both entities have individually recognised the urgency for robust cybersecurity infrastructures.

Asean has demonstrated its commitment to this cause through initiatives like the Asean-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre in Malaysia, promoting skill enhancement and knowledge exchange.

Concurrently, China's International Strategy of Cooperation in Cyberspace reflects its dedication to fortifying its cybersecurity posture.

This shared priority on cybersecurity presents an opportunity for a collaborative regional framework.

Potential areas of cooperation could encompass threat intelligence sharing, joint investigations into cybercrimes, and the development and enforcement of regional cybersecurity standards.

Additionally, initiatives to build capacity, such as training programs for cybersecurity personnel, could be part of this collaborative effort.

With the rising sophistication of cyber threats and the potentially disastrous impact of major cyber attacks on vital infrastructure, the significance of this potential Asean-China partnership cannot be overstated.

Cybersecurity could emerge as a critical pillar of Asean-China engagement under the GSI, contributing significantly to the broader security discourse in the region.

In the context of China and Malaysia, Asean's 'middle-power diplomacy' can act as a significant enabler. China has a vested interest in Asean countries, and Malaysia, with its rapidly growing economy and strategic geographical position, is no exception.

China's economic influence in Malaysia, mainly through the Belt and Road Initiative, has brought the two countries closer.

Here, Asean’s 'middle-power diplomacy' can play a vital role. It can help navigate the complex dynamics between China and Malaysia by promoting dialogue and understanding.

This could assist in managing concerns while ensuring that the economic relationship benefits both countries. The shared commitment to a rules-based international order, a fundamental principle of the GSI, forms the basis for such engagement.

Moreover, the 'middle-power diplomacy' approach could help strengthen cybersecurity cooperation between China and Malaysia, a critical concern in the digital age.

Given the rise of cyber threats and the necessity for transnational solutions, China's solid technological capabilities could combine with Malaysia's aspiration to be a regional digital economy hub.

With its unique diplomatic position, Asean can facilitate this cooperative process, ensuring that it aligns with the broader cybersecurity strategies of the GSI and regional interests.

In conclusion, GSI and Asean share a common vision for security, laying a promising foundation for collaborations, particularly in areas like cybersecurity.

The dynamics between Asean and China, exemplified in the case of Malaysia, underscores the pivotal role of Asean’s 'middle-power diplomacy' in fostering stability and consensus-building.

However, the actual impact on regional security dynamics hinges on practical implementation and the ability to balance national and regional interests.

The growing concern for cybersecurity, a global issue, presents an opportunity for Asean and China to pool their resources and expertise, potentially constructing a cooperative cybersecurity framework that would significantly contribute to regional security.

Dr Liaw Siau Chi is an Assistant Professor at New Era University College. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.

The SEARCH Scholar Series is a social responsibility programme jointly organised by the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and the Centre of Business and Policy Research, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.