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China and Regional Security in South and Southeast Asia: A Comparative Analysis of ASEAN and SAARC Bettani, Salman Ali; Ahmed, Zahid Shahab
JAS (Journal of ASEAN Studies) Vol. 11 No. 2 (2023): Journal of ASEAN Studies
Publisher : Centre for Business and Diplomatic Studies (CBDS) Bina Nusantara University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21512/jas.v11i2.9600

Abstract

Asian regionalism is largely represented by economic cooperation at sub-regional levels, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is seen as a prominent example of that. In contrast, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has failed to take off as a platform for economic cooperation and has been hostage to the India-Pakistan rivalry. While ASEAN was established as a forum to address members’ security apprehensions concerning China, SAARC was created to focus on regional cooperation in non-controversial matters like trade and human security. Hence, ASEAN has engaged more deeply with China through various mechanisms. Conversely, SAARC-China relations remain limited because India, the most dominant actor in the organization and the region, views China as a threat to its security and hegemony in South Asia. The research, therefore, aims to answer the following question: How does one region successfully manage security challenges/threats while the other remains ensnared by them? Resolving this puzzle necessitates a nuanced understanding of the role of regionalism in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the significance of comprehending the process and evolution of regionalism in this context. To address this inquiry, the research employs a comparative-historical analysis grounded in archival data encompassing both primary and secondary sources. The investigation reveals that SAARC’s limited engagement with China is a consequence of India’s opposition, a dynamic absent in ASEAN, where Indonesia actively supports cooperation with China. The research underscores the critical importance of unraveling the complexities of regionalism in Southeast Asia to grasp the underlying factors contributing to divergent outcomes in these regional organizations.
Nusantara's Northern Neighbors: Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Prospects of a Pan-Borneo Railway in ASEAN Lee, Brice Tseen Fu; Sims, Juan Pablo; Ouyang, Hanzhen; Komšić, Filip; Bettani, Salman Ali
Unnes Political Science Journal Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Negeri Semarang

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15294/upsj.v8i2.12129

Abstract

Borneo, the world's third-largest island, presents a unique intersection of diverse ecosystems and indigenous cultures set within the complexities of Southeast Asia's socio-economic and geopolitical fabric. This research delves into the developmental trajectories of Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei, emphasizing their historical resource endowments and contemporary challenges. Positioned against the backdrop of Indonesia's Nusantara initiative, which seeks to galvanize Kalimantan's growth, this study articulates strategic pathways for the northern territories. Drawing from comprehensive evaluations, it bridges the existing literature gap by integrating analyses of critical resources, exploring the viability of the Pan-Borneo Railway, and examining its potential impacts. Moreover, it provides comparative insights with other regional transport projects and underscores Borneo's potential transformation into a pivotal trade nexus. The study culminates by highlighting how fortifying Northern Borneo's capabilities could reciprocally amplify Kalimantan's regional prominence. The research underscores the need for collaborative imperatives and strategic integration.
ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA): Implications for Digital Trade and Regional Economic Integration Lee, Brice Tseen Fu; Dinh, Linh Dieu; Sims, Juan Pablo; Bettani, Salman Ali
Journal of Strategic and Global Studies Vol. 8, No. 1
Publisher : UI Scholars Hub

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Abstract

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) represents a pivotal initiative in advancing regional digital integration and economic development. This paper explores DEFA's potential impacts on digital trade and regional economic cohesion within ASEAN. By reviewing ASEAN’s official publications and relevant literature, the study evaluates how DEFA aims to address the challenges posed by fragmented digital regulations and infrastructure. The framework's emphasis on harmonizing digital standards and enhancing interoperability is anticipated to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions and reduce regulatory barriers, thereby driving trade and investment in digital services. Economic projections suggest that DEFA could significantly enhance ASEAN’s digital economy, potentially increasing its value from US$300 billion to up to US$2 trillion by 2030. The framework’s focus on addressing current digital trade barriers and fostering innovation positions it as a transformative tool for regional integration. The findings underscore DEFA’s potential to unify digital markets and stimulate economic growth, highlighting its importance for ASEAN's future digital landscape.