Europe’s trade relationship with the Indo-Pacific region is the highest valued of any in existence, and yet its leaders are moving surprisingly slow when it comes to their announced ambitions in the region. This is partially due to geopolitical concerns as tensions mount between China and the U.S.

After moves by France, Germany and the Netherlands, the introduction of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific should come as no surprised. Two questions emerge: Is this new version of the strategy a follow-up to the United States or an independent strategic consideration? And how should China respond?

With the mix of development of ASEAN’s member countries, high levels of economic integration are a distant dream, and there are even more challenges for political and security policy coordination as well as socio-cultural fusion. But creation of the ASEAN Community is a big step forward in the integration process, and offers potential for its members and trade partners beyond.