The analysis discusses the conceptualization of “maritime security” within ASEAN, emphasizing the absence of an official definition. This lack of a clear definition is not surprising, given that no universally accepted international definition exists. The ASEAN context often associates maritime security predominantly with transnational crime, complicating consensus due to the diverse sectoral bodies addressing various related issues, spanning across ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
ASEAN employs a “laundry-list” approach to maritime security, pinpointing threats such as terrorism, piracy, and drug trafficking since the 1997 ASEAN Declaration on Transnational Crime. However, maritime security does not feature explicitly in this declaration. It’s treated as an array of threats that can undermine the security of maritime spaces, and several key documents shed light on ASEAN’s understanding of maritime security.
Among these, the 2003 Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (Bali Concord II) is pivotal, marking the first explicit reference to maritime security cooperation within ASEAN’s frameworks. Additionally, the ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting has discussed model laws related to maritime security since 2005, showcasing ASEAN’s ongoing legal harmonization efforts. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) also contribute to the discourse, where maritime security has gained attention, particularly since 2011, highlighting the theme of regional cooperation against threats.
ASEAN recognizes a broad spectrum of maritime security issues, including environmental protection, fisheries management, and counterterrorism, reflecting the need to balance between traditional and non-traditional security threats. Recent developments under the 2025 APSC Blueprint include a particular focus on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has intertwined with discussions on transnational organized crime and food insecurity.
The evolution of ASEAN’s perspective on maritime security can be traced back to the establishment of the ARF in 1994, although its explicit mention within ASEAN instruments began in 2003. Significant turning points include heightened concerns regarding piracy and the emergence of IUU fishing as critical policy issues following international scrutiny and “yellow cards” from the European Union, prompting ASEAN member states to act.
In conclusion, understanding maritime security within ASEAN requires attention to its tri-pillar approach and the intricate web of ASEAN-Plus partnerships, positioning ASEAN at the center of regional maritime security dialogues. The interplay among various sectoral bodies complicates standardization but also enriches the discourse on maritime security, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the threats faced in the region.
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