But if we look only at ASEAN's relations with the external world without comparing it with the EU, it is amazing how much the organization has accomplished. It has compensated for the absence of a regional safety umbrella given the countries' common concerns about external threats. It has saved the fragmented region from being marginalized in international relations as it turns itself into an organization courted by all major powers. It has also imbued the region with a sense of identity.

A culture of cooperation is essential for Southeast Asia to form an integrated association. Cooperation captures the wisdom of Southeast Asia in solving problems as they jointly seek development. It is a driving force for ASEAN's growth.

In recent years, however, ASEAN's status has declined, as major countries in the Asia-Pacific region become more eager to shape the future order of the region and as ASEAN's ability to deal with complicated situations weakens. Some countries, including ASEAN members, are downplaying the organization's importance. In this context, it faces challenges as well as opportunities.

We expect ASEAN to strengthen its role before a major power coordination mechanism is effectively put in place. The pressure actually provides impetus for ASEAN integration.

Milestones for ASEAN

August 8, 1967: ASEAN is founded, marking the start of real connections between Southeast Asian countries and the beginning of their integration.

January 1992: ASEAN leaders agree to build a free trade area within 15 years from January 1, 1993, to be completed in 2008, at the Fourth ASEAN Summit in Singapore. They later reset the deadline to 2003, but finally settle on 2002.

October 7, 2003: ASEAN releases the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II, setting 2020 as the date for the establishment of an ASEAN Community.

January 13, 2007: ASEAN issues the Cebu Declaration on the Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

November 20, 2007: ASEAN leaders sign the ASEAN Charter at the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore.

December 15, 2008: The ASEAN Charter comes into force at the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Indonesia, a milestone achievement that brought the ASEAN integration process within a legal framework.