New partners for the Indo-Pacific: Turkey-ASEAN relations amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties
“Historically, Turkey has upheld robust relationships with the Muslim-majority nations of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Despite the absence of robust political and economic integration, the OIC has served as a multilateral platform for leaders of Muslim-majority countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, to discuss a variety of issues regularly. Additionally, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines have evolved into significant regional trading partners for Turkey. Turkey’s total trade volume with ASEAN members increased dramatically over two decades, from USD 1.1 billion in 2000 to USD 7.9 billion in 2020. In 1999, both Indonesia and Turkey emerged as representatives of developing economies within the G20. Further, in 2013, both countries, along with Australia, South Korea, and Mexico, established a forum known as MIKTA, uniting the middle powers within the G20.”
“As a member of NATO, Turkey has a close defence cooperation with the United States and leading European countries. Conversely, Turkey is also a partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and has received significant Chinese investments. This unique position could be advantageous for ASEAN countries looking to strengthen their ties with both Western and Eastern powers. ASEAN harbours concerns regarding the escalating Sino-US strategic rivalry, particularly during the second Trump administration.”