Abstract
As global political and economic power shifts toward the Indo-Pacific, the region has become a focal point for international strategic competition. Major powers, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and South Korea, have each articulated their strategies to bolster their influence in the region. This study examines their objectives, actions in Southeast Asia, and the initial outcomes of their engagements.
The United States introduced its Indo-Pacific strategy in November 2017 under President Trump, primarily aimed at countering China's rise and competing for influence in the region. President Biden has since expanded the strategy by emphasizing alliances and multilateral mechanisms, creating a more integrated regional cooperation framework to constrain China. Notable initiatives include the “minilateralism” trend with groups like the Quad and AUKUS, along with collaborations on emerging issues such as climate change.
The EU announced its EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in September 2021, marking its first cohesive strategy on the region. Canada followed in December 2022 with its Indo-Pacific Strategy, outlining its policy directions for the region. Both strategies emphasize human rights, active engagement in Indo-Pacific affairs, and a commitment to being reliable partners. Canada remains cautious about China’s influence and human rights violations (e.g., forced labor) while maintaining space for collaboration on global challenges. The EU, on the other hand, encourages China to play a constructive role in the region. South Korea also unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy in November 2022 and later launched the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) in 2023, focusing on economic security, supply chain resilience, and other contemporary issues tailored to ASEAN needs.
All four powers emphasize strengthening ties with ASEAN, supporting ASEAN-led mechanisms, and deepening cooperation across various domains. While the United States leads in security cooperation, particularly through “minilateral” frameworks, and economic cooperation shifts toward non-traditional agreements like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), other actors such as the EU and Canada also emphasize human rights and multilateralism. South Korea’s approach aligns with ASEAN priorities, particularly in addressing economic and security challenges. Collectively, these strategies reinforce ASEAN centrality, but their success in navigating the region’s complex dynamics hinges on sustained collaboration and commitment among the stakeholders.
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