An article from South China Morning said that Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro dismissed the idea of an “Asian NATO” due to ASEAN members’ differing alliances with the U.S. and China. He urged ASEAN to address China’s consistent actions in the South China Sea, seeking a stronger regional stance and expedited code of conduct negotiations.

ASEAN is a political and economic association set up in 1967. It was an unlikely success as the nations have varying governmental practices and economic goals. Despite doubts, it has remained a thriving partnership and is still together to this day. 

The Philippines has built an alliance with the US before ASEAN but other members such as Cambodia are allied with China. According to Teodoro, this is what makes the idea of a  NATO-like alliance in the region impossible. Defense commitments would be hard to achieve because the allied countries, China and the US, have such drastically different security goals and intentions. 

Teodoro’s statement was in response to ideas from Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, but the concept of an “Asian NATO” overall has garnered very little attention and support.  A unified military alliance would require ASEAN to adopt a clear, cohesive stance which is not feasible. Teodoro feels that even though some countries are allied with China ASEAN should condemn China’s overstepping in the South China Sea. ASEAN could be beneficial in helping develop solutions for the territorial conflict in the region by establishing a code of conduct. 

The article mainly showcasing the perspectives of the Phillipines in regards to their condemnation of China’s actions. It does provide some evidence backing up these claims as in 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration officially ruled that there is not a legal basis for China’s actions. So ASEAN could release a statement agreeing with the Philippines’ side according to Teodoro which might help set a further precedent and speed up negotiations. 

While a military alliance may not be likely, it seems that focusing on issues in the South China Sea is the best way to come up with peaceful solutions for the whole region at the moment. Cooperation needs to be emphasized to avoid further disputes and move forward toward the goal of peace.