TOPIC 4

POLITICAL & SECURITY COOPERATION:

• 1. Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN)
• 2. South East Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
• 3. Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC)
• 4. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
• 5. ASEAN Charter
Q: Discuss with examples the relevancy of ZOPFAN as a
doctrine to enhance peaceful and stable region. (25 marks)

•  1. Z - stands for zone ~ Zone means an area that has features or components,
which are territory, population, government and sovereignty = state 
• 2. P - means peace ~ It is a situation where the harmonious relationship
between member countries. 
• 3. F - stands for freedom ~ It means freedom of member countries from
control, domination or interference by other states in the conduct of internal
or external affairs. 
• 4. N - means neutrality ~ It means maintenance of zonal neutrality in any
conflict between other states according to United Nation (UN) Charter and
International Laws. 
Q: Analyse FIVE reasons that support the importance of Southeast
Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) to this
region’s stability. (25 marks)

•  1. Nuclear weapon is a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)

• 2. Nuclear weapon may create regional arm race 
• 3. Nuclear weapon can be used as a bargaining power or sources of
de facto power
• 4. Nuclear weapon can be associated to environmental pollution or
environmental degradation
• 5. Nuclear weapon may create regional military development
 Q: The TAC was based on aspirations to promote peace and
stability in this region. Elaborate on the elements of TAC. (25
marks) 

• 1. Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality,

territorial integrity and national identity of all nations
• 2. The right of every State to lead its national existence free from
external interference, subversion
• 3. Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another 
• 4. Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means
• 5. Effective cooperation among themselves. 
 Q: Evaluate the relevancy of the ASEAN Charter’s principles
to promote regional peace and stability. (25 marks)

•  1. Members should respect the elements of a sovereign

and independent state.
• 2. Working together to enhance regional security and prosperity. 
• 3. Rejection of aggressive means in conflict resolutions.
• 4. Adherence to the principles of democracy, constitutional
governments and good governance. 
• 5. Respect for fundamental human rights freedom and upholding the
international law.
ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND
INTEGRATION:

• 1. ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

• 2. Growth Triangles
• 3. ASEAN Investment Area (AIA)
• 4. Free Trade Area
• Motivating factors towards AFTA:  
• 1. In 1980’s and 1990’s, majority of countries in this world began to
take apart their trade barriers and protection in order to become a
member of WTO that promote fair and just trade
• 2. Creation of AFTA is the answer to achieve rapid economic
development where integration of member countries economic to
create a bigger and new market.

• Objectives of AFTA: Aim is to convert this region from agriculture

based industries and economy to industrial or manufacturing high
technology industries.
• Advantages of AFTA: 
• 1. Benefits from economic of scale 
• 2. Fully utilisation of regional production factors 
• 3. Competition with Multi National Corporations (MNC) will stimulate
productivity 
• 4. Attract more Foreign Direct Investment
• 5. As a competitive edge of this region
• Disadvantages of AFTA: 
• 1. Question whether member countries are willing to liberalise its
economy
• 2. Imbalances and huge gap of economic development
• 3. Threat to infant industries
• 4. Threat to national security and interests
 Q: Elaborate on the features of Growth
Triangle. (25 marks)
•  1. Similarities of cultures among people who stay at these borders.
• 2. Suitable platform for exchange of ideas among business
community.
• 3. Revitalize cooperation in economic sector as previous approaches
towards economic integration grow at slower rate. 
• 4. Exploration of new market by regional corporate sectors.
• 5. Support the concept of ‘Prosperous the Neighbour’ introduced by
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed.
 Elaborate on FIVE Free Trade Area (FTA) agreements
created by ASEAN with other countries. (25m) 

• 1. ASEAN – China Free Trade Area

• 2. ASEAN – Japan Free Trade Area
• 3. ASEAN – U.S Free Trade Area
• 4. ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations
• 5. Trans Regional EU - ASEAN Trade Initiative
• 6. ASEAN – India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
• Challenges to ensure successful development of GT; 
• 1. The area must offer economic complementary 
• 2. Geographical proximity of industry player 
• 3. Business-friendly policy framework. 
• 4. Supportive facilities and infrastructure 
• 5. Market access