To what extent can the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy assert influence in Southeast Asia, despite not being a direct geographic player?

By Danial, Jing Xuan, Sophie, Yuh Ling (AY24/25 Sem 1)

🌱 Introduction

Context

What is the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy?

• Formally introduced in 2021 with the aim of strengthening the EU’s role and presence in the Indo-Pacific region to advance European interests collectively. [1]
• Outlines a comprehensive approach for the EU’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific across various domains, including 1) multilateral engagement and partnerships, 2) security and defence cooperation, and 3) economic and trade cooperation. [2]
• Aims to promote peace, stability, and multilateralism based on the rule of law.
• Approach: Cooperative (through multilateral and minilateral frameworks) and inclusive (purportedly open to working with any like-minded partner, including China, if interests align).

What is the EU’s rationale/motivation for its Indo-Pacific strategy?

1. Economic Interest: The EU has a strong economic interest in Southeast Asia, with significant trade flows and FDI in the region. [3]
2. Geopolitical Interest: The EU has an interest in promoting and defending the rules-based international order, particularly in the South China Sea, where over 40% of EU trade passes through. Increasing tensions in the region are seen as having a direct impact on European security. [4]
3. Promotion of Norms and Values: The EU has highlighted democratic principles and human rights, as well as sustainable and inclusive prosperity, as key norms and values to promote in the region. [5]
4. Quest for Relevance: In a region seen as critical for global trade and security, the EU sees a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific as critical to not be left out as various other powers like the US and China exercise their influence in the region.

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“With the world’s centre of gravity shifting, the EU must engage more in the Indo-Pacific. Not just on trade and aid but also on security.” — Josep Borell

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Why is Southeast Asia a key region of interest for the EU within the Indo-Pacific?

A key component of the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy is ASEAN centrality [6]. Due to its geographical centrality, ASEAN is a crucial gateway for the EU to engage with the broader Indo-Pacific region. The EU sees strengthening ties with ASEAN as a means to extend its influence more effectively, leveraging ASEAN's established diplomatic networks to engage with key players on critical regional issues.