KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — In a landmark move toward regional unity and resilience, military chiefs across Southeast Asia have agreed to form a Joint Task Force to tackle rising non-traditional threats and ensure quicker, coordinated disaster response across ASEAN.
The announcement came during the 22nd ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM), hosted in Malaysia over the course of three days. Malaysian Chief of Defence Force, Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, emphasized that this task force is a crucial step toward addressing eleven key regional security concerns, ranging from cybercrime and online fraud to natural disasters like floods and typhoons.
“This is about working together, not just on paper but on the ground,” said Gen Nizam in a joint press conference with Philippines Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. “This task force begins operating today, and it’s a real commitment — not just ideas or speeches.”
A New Chapter in ASEAN Security
While Nizam clarified that the task force is not a mirror image of NATO, it is inspired by the concept of collective response. “This isn’t NATO, but we are taking bold steps toward joint action. When one of us is threatened, we all pay attention. But unlike NATO, ASEAN remains deeply rooted in the ZOPFAN principle — the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality,” he added.
Key takeaways from the ACDFM include:
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Keeping the ACDFM as the highest military leadership forum within ASEAN.
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Resolving territorial disputes peacefully under international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
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Strengthening cooperation in maritime and aerial encounters through:
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CUES (Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea)
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Guidelines for Military Air & Maritime Encounters
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ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure
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The meeting concluded with Malaysia handing over the chairmanship to the Philippines, who will host the next ACDFM in 2026.
Why This Matters
In a world increasingly disrupted by digital threats and climate-related disasters, the decision by ASEAN defence chiefs sends a clear message: unity is the future of security. This move isn’t just about protecting borders — it’s about protecting people.
Whether it’s a flood in Malaysia, a typhoon in the Philippines, or a cyberattack on financial systems in Indonesia, these threats don’t recognize borders — and now, for the first time, ASEAN militaries are formally rising together to face them.
It’s a reminder that safety is not just a national concern; it’s a shared responsibility. This joint task force is a powerful symbol of regional solidarity — not just among governments, but among the people of ASEAN.
