ASEAN’s Balancing Act: Why Maritime Security Will Define the Next Indo-Pacific Order
By Anshul Sharma Introduction ASEAN today is home to over 682 million people and accounts for roughly 7.3% of global GDP, establishing it as a demographic and economic powerhouse in Asia. Roughly 24% of global seaborne trade by volume passes through the Strait of Malacca, one of the most critical Indo-Pacific chokepoints. Global maritime transport remains the backbone of the world economy. According to the latest UNCTAD “Review of Maritime Transport 2024”, over 80% of international trade in...