About Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):

• It is a regional intergovernmental organization of ten Southeast Asian countries.
• It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• Member States: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
• It promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and sociocultural integration between its members and other countries in Asia.
• Secretariat: The ASEAN Secretariat, located in Jakarta, Indonesia, and led by a secretary-general, coordinates the work of ASEAN member states and their associated bodies. 
• Functioning:
  • It is headed by a chair—a position that rotates annually among member states.
  • Important decisions are usually reached through consultation and consensus guided by the principles of noninterference in internal affairs and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

What is East Asia Summit?

• It is a unique Leaders-led forum of 18 countries of the Asia-Pacific region formed to further the objectives of regional peace, security and prosperity.
• Established in 2005, EAS allows the principal players in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss issues of common interest and concern, in an open and transparent manner, at the highest level.
• The membership of EAS consists of ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the USA.
• EAS is an initiative of ASEAN and is based on the premise of the centrality of ASEAN.

Q1) What is RCEP?

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a comprehensive free trade agreement being negotiated between the 10 ASEAN Member States and ASEAN's free trade agreement (FTA) partners viz. Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.

Source: PM Modi arrives in Indonesia to attend Asean-India, East Asia Summits 

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Latest News

Indonesia and China have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, with the Chinese Premier’s visit to Jakarta ahead of the ASEAN Summit reflecting growing diplomatic momentum.

About the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

• ASEAN is an inter-governmental regional organisation formed to promote political, economic, and security cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.
• Established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, its founding members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• ASEAN currently has 10 member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
• The headquarters of ASEAN is located in Jakarta, Indonesia, underscoring Indonesia’s central role in the bloc.

Institutional Mechanisms of ASEAN

• The ASEAN Summit is held annually, where member states discuss regional developments and set strategic policy directions. It is chaired by a rotating presidency.
• The ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) monitors the implementation of agreements and decisions, ensuring alignment across the member states.
• The ASEAN Secretariat, located in Jakarta, acts as the administrative body supporting and facilitating ASEAN’s initiatives, coordination, and documentation.
• The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a key platform for dialogue on political and security issues involving both member countries and external partners.
• India joined the ARF in 1996, marking its formal inclusion in ASEAN-led security dialogue mechanisms.
• ASEAN follows a decision-making process based on consultation and consensus, promoting unity while respecting national sovereignty.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) FAQs

Q1: What is ASEAN?
Ans: ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 Southeast Asian countries aimed at promoting political and economic cooperation.

Q2: When was ASEAN established?
Ans: ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967.

Q3: Which countries are members of ASEAN?
Ans: ASEAN members include Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Source: JP