ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM 2002-DEBRIEF.

ARF 2002 was held in Brunei last week which saw Collin Powell and others regional leaders(mostly foreign ministers)met for the first time since 911.ARF is sort of ASEAN informal security framework created to tackle various regional and international issues.ARF also played a major part for the members nation to voice out their concern about their neighbours armed forces ‘massive rearmament project’.

Brunei meeting could be classified as successfull eventhough Malaysia suggestion to create ASEAN+3 do not get a full supports.Certain pro-US members + US seems reluctant to accept China,Japan and South Korea into the ASEAN family.
One of the most interesting topic discussed were -Code of conduct in the South China Sea-which clearly outlined rules and regulations for countries involved in the Spratlys island disputes.With the signing of this historic agreement it is unlikely for any countries to engaged in a major military campaign over the Spartlys (at least for the next decade or so).Countries like Philipines felt a great relief since at the moment their armed forces are the most ‘weak’ compared to China etc.
US insisted on having Malaysia as their regional anti terror base -in order to fight the Al Qaeda menace in this region.Certain other countries wanted to host such HQ but Washington do not see any other nations which could do just that except Malaysia(could it be part of their SH marketing drive??).Malaysia got the means and equipments to conduct a comprehensive intell networking + the political and social climate would further ease any joint intell ops in Malaysia.Funny things is -Malaysia have not decide on the proposal citing its needs to further studies such matters.On the other hands Malaysia signed a joint agreement on the similar matter with Australia yesterday.Alexander Downer praised Malaysia for all the ‘things’ conducted in the past (Malaysia/Australia got a strong military relations).The agreement would provide ASIS/SB/MI intell units with specific informations which could endangered both Malaysian/Australian interest.ASASR + GGK21 will conduct a joint anti terror exercise in order to polished their skills in hostage rescue/urban assault etc.