The Defense Perspective on the Implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)

Abstract

The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) has emerged as a significant topic in the discourse of regional security policy. This initiative highlights the importance of maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, which is now at the heart of global geopolitical competition. Through comprehensive analysis, this study explores the role of AOIP as a strategic tool for ASEAN countries in navigating complex defense and security dynamics. The article first examines the background and motivations behind the establishment of AOIP, emphasizing its significance in the context of regional defense. It then assesses ASEAN's role in managing Indo-Pacific security through the AOIP framework, including how member states integrate these principles into their national defense strategies. This research also provides an in-depth analysis of regional defense cooperation under AOIP, identifying the challenges and opportunities faced by ASEAN. Finally, the article discusses the hegemonic competition between China and the United States in the region and its impact on the implementation of AOIP. This study aims to offer valuable insights to policymakers, academics, and security practitioners in understanding ASEAN's key role in maintaining the power balance in the Indo-Pacific region.