A Strategic Middle Ground: Australia and ASEAN in Non-Traditional Maritime Security
Australian Institute of International Affairs
“In recent years, ASEAN and Australia have strengthened their economic and trade ties, and maritime trade is an important part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, bilateral trade between Australia and ASEAN reached AUD$192.9 billion. Australia has been a major supplier of raw materials to ASEAN, with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam relying heavily on these imports. Cotton exports surged to $3.1 billion in 2022–23, mainly to Indonesia and Vietnam, while wine exports, especially to Thailand, reached $294.2 million. Thus, Australia’s role as a major resource provider, and its involvement in trade facilitation agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), enhance ASEAN’s global economic networks. Given the common interests of both sides in maritime trade security, Australia and ASEAN’s commitment to maritime security is consistent with regional economic priorities. However, the two sides still have strategic differences, especially in the South China Sea dispute, and such divergences also exist within ASEAN itself.”
“The cooperation potential between ASEAN and Australia in non-traditional security areas stems not only from shared interests but also reflects a pragmatic pursuit of “low political risk and operational feasibility” beyond strategic divergences. Compared to highly sensitive issues, climate change and marine ecological conservation provide a relatively “desecuritized” platform for collaboration and creates a more favorable discursive environment. For example, initiatives such as the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative, the Coral Reef Monitoring and Protection Program by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), and the Australia-Indonesia Blue Carbon Project support ASEAN’s efforts in climate response, marine disasters, and coastal ecosystem restoration.”