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Lessons from China's history
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Wee Kek Koon
Wee Kek Koon

Reflections | How the ‘Asean Way’ differs from the failed alliances of China’s Warring States Period

Asean’s consensus-driven approach, based on non-aggression, generally fosters regional peace, unlike the factious alliances in China’s past

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(From left) Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, from left, East Timor’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta during the 47th Asean summit, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2025. Despite criticisms, Asean’s consensus-driven approach fosters regional peace. Photo: AP
Wee Kek Koon

Last month, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) welcomed a new member: East Timor.

I first learned about Asean as part of my civics education in primary school. Back then, Asean was made up of only five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, the founding members who created the association in 1967.

In 1984, Brunei joined after it achieved full independence. Between 1995 and 1999, the mainland Southeast Asian nations of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia became full members, and “Asean-10” was, for the next quarter of a century, a catchy label for the organisation.

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With the accession of East Timor on October 26, 2025, the regional grouping now has 11 member states.

Initially formed to contain the spread of communism during the Cold War, Asean’s present mission is to build a cohesive, prosperous region, and deepen regional cooperation and integration. Geopolitically, this association is also meant to shield its member states from superpower rivalries and ambitions.

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After 58 years, has the alliance met any of its objectives? To put it diplomatically, it is a work in progress.

East Timor’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao at a reception for his country’s admission to Asean at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 27, 2025. Photo: AP
East Timor’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao at a reception for his country’s admission to Asean at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 27, 2025. Photo: AP
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