As the EU, we are well aware that the global centre of gravity is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific region is the future, but the present is just as important. Asean is the nucleus around which inclusive forms of regional cooperation are built, and regional integration is a way to safeguard our respective “strategic autonomy”. We are also exploring options to enhance the EU’s maritime presence in the vast Indo-Pacific space. The EU’s message is clear: we want to do more with Asean, in South-East Asia and in the wider region.

Source: The Star June 15, 2021 00:51 UTC