Rethinking Seato A New Maritime Pact For Asean


 
AS geopolitical tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asian nations find themselves increasingly vulnerable to the turbulence sweeping the region.
China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, the rising strategic competition between the United States (US) and China, and the proliferation of non-traditional maritime threats such as piracy and illegal fishing have converged to create a volatile security environment.
Against this backdrop, a provocative question has resurfaced:
Should the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) revive the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) as a mechanism to bolster regional maritime security?
SEATO, founded in 1954 and dissolved in 1977, was originally designed as a Cold War-era collective defence pact aimed at containing communism. Its legacy is, at best, mixed.
With only two Southeast Asian members i.e., Thailand and the Philippines and heavily dominated by external powers like the US, United Kingdom, and France, SEATO was often criticised for its lack of cohesion and legitimacy within the region.
Its failure to evolve into a true collective security mechanism contributed to its irrelevance and eventual dissolution.
Yet in 2025, the strategic landscape has changed dramatically. Today, the Indo-Pacific is the epicentre of global power politics, and ASEAN’s role has never been more crucial.
The organisation stands at a crossroads: continue with its consensus-based, non-aligned approach, or adapt to a more assertive and structured security framework in response to rising threats.
The idea of reviving SEATO or at least, reimagining it should be explored seriously, but with critical adjustments grounded in current realities.
Maritime security: ASEAN’s Achilles heel
(Image: AP)Southeast Asia’s maritime domain is a focal point for multiple overlapping claims, economic interests, and military ambitions. The South China Sea alone sees one-third of global shipping pass through its waters.
Yet, maritime security remains ASEAN’s Achilles heel. Despite initiatives like the ASEAN Maritime Forum and joint patrols in the Sulu and Celebes Seas, the region lacks a comprehensive, cohesive maritime defence structure.
In the face of China’s continued island-building, coercion of fishermen, and incursions into Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), ASEAN’s diplomatic toolbox seems increasingly inadequate.
Reviving SEATO or creating a SEATO 2.0 could offer a more robust framework to pool resources, share intelligence, and establish clear deterrents.
Unlike its Cold War predecessor, a modern version would need to be rooted in ASEAN leadership, rather than being externally driven. This could transform it from a symbol of neo-colonial entanglement into a proactive regional safeguard.
A reimagined SEATO: ASEAN-led and inclusive
Any modern iteration of SEATO must be fundamentally different in design and intent.
First and foremost, it should be ASEAN-led, preserving the centrality of the organisation. External partners such as the US, Japan, Australia, and India could serve as dialogue or strategic partners, but not dominant actors.
This would maintain ASEAN’s long-held position of neutrality while enabling it to take a more assertive role in shaping regional security.
The objectives of a new SEATO would also need to evolve. Rather than being a purely anti-China alliance, it should focus on enhancing maritime domain awareness, building naval interoperability, strengthening coast guard cooperation, and securing sea lines of communication.
These goals are inherently defensive and could gain broader support among ASEAN’s diverse members, many of whom are wary of becoming pawns in great power rivalries.
This reimagined SEATO could also be integrated into the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture. Coordination with initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) would create a multi-layered and resilient defence posture.
Challenges and caveats
(Image: Council on Foreign Relations)However, reviving or rebranding SEATO is far from a silver bullet. ASEAN’s core principles are non-interference, consensus-based decision-making, and respect for sovereignty, often inhibit swift or unified responses to crises.
Member states have varying security priorities and relationships with major powers. For instance, Cambodia and Laos maintain close ties with China, while the Philippines and Vietnam are more confrontational. This divergence makes the formation of a formal security pact challenging.
Moreover, introducing a SEATO-like structure risks undermining ASEAN unity if not managed carefully. It could exacerbate intra-regional tensions and provoke backlash from China, which may interpret it as an encirclement strategy. Balancing deterrence and diplomacy will be crucial.
The path forward: Pragmatic regionalism
Rather than a wholesale revival of SEATO, ASEAN should consider a flexible, modular approach.
A “SEATO-lite” framework beginning with joint maritime exercises, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building—could evolve organically based on the needs and consensus of member states.
This incremental strategy would avoid the political costs of formalising a defence pact while still enhancing maritime cooperation.
Additionally, ASEAN should push for institutional reforms that allow for “ASEAN Minus X” models where willing members move forward on specific security initiatives without requiring unanimity.
This would preserve the group’s cohesion while allowing progress on urgent maritime issues.
Conclusion
The notion of reviving SEATO as a means to strengthen maritime security in Southeast Asia is both provocative and timely.
While the historical baggage of the original SEATO looms large, the current strategic environment demands fresh thinking. A reinvented, ASEAN-led security framework whether called SEATO or something new could be a pivotal step in safeguarding the region’s maritime future.
ASEAN must not allow itself to be paralysed by its past or by external pressures. The Indo-Pacific is evolving rapidly, and so too must Southeast Asia’s security architecture.
Whether through a revived SEATO or an entirely new model, one thing is clear: the time for passive neutrality is over. 
R Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2025/06/a_53.html

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
13 New Zones New Booking App For Rapid Kl On Demand

13 New Zones New Booking App For Rapid Kl On Demand

papar berkaitan - pada 8/6/2025 - jumlah : 123 hits
11 new zones in Kuala Lumpur involve MRT stations with bookings made through the new Rapid On Demand app and 2 zones booked through Kummute Rapid Bus now provides on demand van services at 47 zones in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area KUALA LUM...
Anwar Thanks King For Elevating Malaysia S Diplomacy At Asean Royal Luncheon

Anwar Thanks King For Elevating Malaysia S Diplomacy At Asean Royal Luncheon

papar berkaitan - pada 28/5/2025 - jumlah : 148 hits
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia poses for a group photo with the Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and leaders from Asean Timor Leste and the Gulf Cooperation Council at a Royal Luncheon in conjunction with the 4...
Malaysian Batik Takes The Spotlight As Official Attire For Asean Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner

Malaysian Batik Takes The Spotlight As Official Attire For Asean Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner

papar berkaitan - pada 1/6/2025 - jumlah : 209 hits
Malaysia s rich cultural heritage took centre stage at the ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner as Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah was selected to design the official batik attire worn by leaders from ASEAN Member States China and the Gulf C...
Timor Leste Joining Asean A Victory For Regional Solidarity

Timor Leste Joining Asean A Victory For Regional Solidarity

papar berkaitan - pada 2/6/2025 - jumlah : 144 hits
Last week on May 26 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim representing Malaysia this year s Asean chair made a historic announcement Timor Leste will become a full member of Asean at the 47th summit this October To many Malaysians it may have seemed...
Little Girl Goes Viral For Rm1 Mil Birthday Party Rolex New Car As Presents

Little Girl Goes Viral For Rm1 Mil Birthday Party Rolex New Car As Presents

papar berkaitan - pada 4/6/2025 - jumlah : 147 hits
FOR most people the perfect birthday celebration may involve a simple cake and a group of friends singing the Happy Birthday song badly too But for some people a birthday party perhaps is more than just the celebration of one s existence on...
Anwar Warns Against New Geopolitical Orthodoxy Reaffirms Asean Centrality

Anwar Warns Against New Geopolitical Orthodoxy Reaffirms Asean Centrality

papar berkaitan - pada 1/6/2025 - jumlah : 200 hits
The prime minister says Malaysia as Asean chair will promote regional openness resist bloc politics and deepen multilateral cooperation Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivering his keynote address at the 22nd Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore...
Asyraf Wajdi Three Uk Universities Offer Tuition Discount For Mara Students

Asyraf Wajdi Three Uk Universities Offer Tuition Discount For Mara Students

papar berkaitan - pada 2/6/2025 - jumlah : 103 hits
Three leading universities in the United Kingdom have agreed to offer tuition fee discounts of between 10 and 20 per cent to students sponsored by Majlis Amanah Rakyat said its chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki Bernama picLONDON Three l...
While Most Politicians Are Fighting For Survival Syed Saddiq Is Doing What

While Most Politicians Are Fighting For Survival Syed Saddiq Is Doing What

papar berkaitan - pada 2/6/2025 - jumlah : 235 hits
THE life of an illustrious politician is never an easy one Fending off slander with one hand while with the other he needs to serve the rakyat In short it is a thankless career filled with obstacles and drama But it is always so Definitely ...
Choosing The Right Oem Company In Malaysia For Your Brand S Growth

Mayat Pasangan Suami Isteri Warga Emas Ditemui Dalam Rumah Mereka Di Kampung Sungai Ruan Raub

Hari Lautan Sedunia Dunia Tersembunyi Karang Mesofotik Di Lautan Dalam

Mof Justifies Sst On Imported Fruits Cites Sufficient Local Alternatives

Israel Launches Massive Strike On Iran Early Friday 13 6 2025

Rafizi Dan Nik Nazmi Adalah Pemimpin Sinaran Dan Bukannya Pemimpin Sialan Kata Ketua Cabang Pkr Pada Shamsul Iskandar

Senarai Filem Melayu Dan Tempatan Malaysia 2025

Kpkt Raikan Kejayaan Pemaju Hartanah Tempatan Rangkul 5 Pingat Emas Di Fiabci World Prix D Excellence Awards 2025


echo '';
Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Dendam Seorang Madu Slot Tiara Astro Prima

10 Fakta Biodata Amira Othman Yang Digosip Dengan Fattah Amin Penyanyi Lagu Bila Nak Kahwin

5 Tips Macam Mana Nak Ajak Orang Kita Suka Dating Dengan Kita

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Keluarga Itu Slot Lestary TV3

Bolehkah Manusia Transgender Mencapai Klimaks Selepas Bertukar


Focus On Demand Responsive Bus Rather Than Rm17bn Lrt

Livetvonline Solusi Modern Untuk Menikmati Pertandingan Sepak Bola Kapan Saja

Martabak Manis Tetangga Kita Kini Di The Campus Ampang

Adam Hilman Feat Abbysee One Day Aku Chill Chord

Shandai Gisang Mabuk Pengerindu Chord

Go Fast Turn Left F Brakes A Honda Dominator Flat Tracker From Italy