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ASEAN Coast Guard Forum Expands to Counter Chinese Aggression in South China Sea

A report argues that formalizing and expanding the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) is crucial for regional states to collectively counter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. It suggests perceived waning US interest in the region may embolden China, making ASEAN-led maritime cooperation more vital. The forum, established in 2022, is working on institutionalization under ASEAN frameworks to enable joint exercises and patrols. This collective action aims to deter Chinese coercion against claimant states' vessels and assert regional management of maritime space under international law.

Key Points: ASEAN Coast Guard Forum Counters China in South China Sea

  • Forum aims to counter Chinese coercion
  • Institutionalization enables joint patrols
  • Addresses perceived US disinterest
  • Enhances regional maritime cooperation
2 min read

ASEAN Coast Guard Forum expansion counters Chinese aggression in South China Sea: Report

Report details ASEAN Coast Guard Forum expansion to deter Chinese coercion, as perceived US disinterest may embolden Beijing in maritime disputes.

"Southeast Asian states need their coast guards to cooperate if they are to withstand and counter Chinese aggression. - The Strategist report"

Canberra, Jan 20

A broader functional scope for the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum would enable members to address maritime challenges beyond countering China in the South China Sea, thereby enhancing the forum's credibility - both regionally and internationally - while mitigating Chinese criticism, a report said on Tuesday.

According to a report in Australia-based 'The Strategist', the ACF may in future explore cooperation with extra-regional states - including China - for exercises, joint patrols, capacity-building efforts and training programmes.

"Southeast Asian states need their coast guards to cooperate if they are to withstand and counter Chinese aggression, especially as US uninterest in the South China Sea may embolden China to increase its coercion of other claimant states. Efforts to formalise the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) within broader ASEAN frameworks could be just the ticket," the report detailed.

"The United States' National Security Strategy, released in December, prioritised the western hemisphere, a focus exemplified by this month's military operation in Venezuela. Furthermore, US President Donald Trump was reluctant to discuss the South China Sea conflict during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' visit to the US in July 2025, further suggesting a lack of US interest in the South China Sea. Indeed, the US conducted only one freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea in 2025," it added.

The report stressed that the ACF has the potential to play a significant role in countering Chinese coercion in the South China Sea.

"The ACF was established in 2022 and conducted a table-top exercise in 2023 to enhance communication and trust among ASEAN member states' coast guards. During its third meeting in 2024, the forum generated two consolidated working drafts on the ACF's institutionalisation under the ASEAN umbrella. At the same meeting, participants also proposed draft operational working protocols for engagement between coast guard and maritime law enforcement agencies at sea," it mentioned.

"Institutionalisation of the ACF would strengthen maritime cooperation and coordination among Southeast Asian coast guards, paving the way for joint patrols in the South China Sea. This would help deter Chinese coercion of claimant states' fishing and naval vessels," it further stated.

Moreover, the report said, the institutionalisation of the ACF would send a collective message that ASEAN member states are capable of managing their shared maritime space under international law, which would help to deter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The report makes a good point about the US being distracted. It leaves a vacuum. A strong, institutionalised ASEAN forum is essential for these nations to protect their sovereign rights without relying on a distant power. Hope they succeed.
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Rohit P
While cooperation is good, the article seems to frame everything as "countering China." Shouldn't the primary goal be safety, anti-piracy, and disaster response? Making it all about China might backfire and reduce chances of future cooperation with them, which the report itself suggests.
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Ananya R
Joint patrols are a great idea! This is exactly how smaller nations can stand up to bullying in the maritime domain. It reminds me of the need for similar cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Strength in unity.
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Michael C
The detail about the working drafts and table-top exercises is encouraging. It shows they are moving beyond talk to actual structures. Building trust step-by-step is key for such sensitive security cooperation.
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Karthik V
China's actions in the South China Sea set a dangerous precedent for any nation with a powerful neighbour. ASEAN's move is a lesson for all of us on the importance of rules-based order. Hope our policymakers are taking notes.

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