The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should avoid a "security dilemma" amid a broad trend of increased militarization between Japan and Philippines in the South China Sea, and concentrate on trade and economic growth, according to an Indonesian expert on international relations.
Japan has repeatedly attempted to portray itself as a "stakeholder" in the issue concerning the South China Sea, although it has neither territorial claims nor any legitimate standing.
For some time, Japan has been stepping up its collaboration with the Philippines and expanding its export of weapons and equipment to the country. Japan has also deployed military forces overseas on many occasions and launched offensive missiles.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Muhammad Syaroni Rofi, a lecturer in the Department of Global Strategic, Resilience, and Security Studies at the University of Indonesia, pointed out that Japan has drastically readjusted its security policy, and advanced defense cooperation with the Philippines.
"We have observed that over the past two years, Japan has undergone a sort of transformation; while it was traditionally pacifist, it appears to be asserting itself more actively in response to geopolitical dynamics. Under Sanae Takaichi, Japan has cultivated a narrative of becoming a 'security provider', offering security-related services to nations in the region, including, I believe, in its dealings with the Philippines. Japan likely views the Philippines as a close geographical neighbor, and we know that both nations share a common alignment: the U.S. alliance. The U.S. has close ties with the Philippines, and as the Philippines deepens its relationship with Japan, a triangular dynamic emerges,” he said.
The scholar warned that ASEAN should steer clear of a potential "security dilemma" and devote itself to pursuing stability and trade and economic development.
"However, this drive toward increased militarization is certainly a matter that requires discussion within ASEAN. We must ensure that militarization and securitization do not trigger a 'security dilemma.' What is a 'security dilemma'? It occurs when one country's military buildup prompts its neighbor's to ramp up their own military activities. Excessive arms procurement, for instance, impacts neighboring states. That is the security dilemma, we certainly do not want this region to become volatile due to excessive military activity. We want this to be a region that is open to all, focused on trade and economic growth," he said.
ASEAN vigilant of "security dilemma" following Japan, Philippines' provocative actions in South China Sea: Indonesian expert
