The answer is indeed the opposite. The call for operationalizing the AOIP as a robust strategic guidance for ASEAN countries in response to the geopolitical and strategic changes caused by the pandemic is increasingly more pertinent.

Mitigation of the impact of the pandemic does not mean the end of geopolitical competition; it will be a new arena in which a great power competition will play out. Consequently, the pandemic has accelerated the existing geopolitical trend in the region.

The Sino-United States rivalry is rapidly escalating after both superpowers increased their military presence in the South China Sea. It has created dire security challenges that are detrimental to political and economic stability in the region.

Through the AOIP, ASEAN may potentially play a central role in coping with such geopolitical challenges by developing a more flexible and reliable regional architecture. Strong emphasis on the principles of ASEAN centrality and inclusivity within the AOIP will ensure its continuing relevance to guide ASEAN in engaging countries and major powers in the region.

ASEAN centrality will make the AOIP more relevant as the principle reinstates the ASEAN agenda-setting for regional security architecture. The relevance has been clearly shown in the present COVID-19 crisis, in which ASEAN has increased its international role and strategic presence.

ASEAN has been active in consolidating a collective response as a regional interstate platform in strengthening COVID-19 responses. Since the outbreak, ASEAN has managed to engage with major dialogue partners in advancing essential cooperation in pandemic mitigation.

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