FROM BANGKOK DECLARATION TO ASEAN CHARTER, A HISTORY OF 40 YEARS

Abstract

This article presents 3 issues: 1. Bangkok Declaration (8 August 1967) opened the cooperation stage in South East Asian region. In 1975, ASEAN passed the ZOPFAN declaration, starting a peaceful, free, neutral South East Asia. ASEAN summit 1 (February 1976) in Bali, Indonesia passed some important document, including Frendship & Cooperation Agreement, United ASEAN Declaration, building the legal foundation to reinforce the cooperation in South East Asia. 2. After Cold War, ASEAN has expanded to 10 nations. Besides the increase in the internal cooperation, ASEAN has suggested and played the coordination role in the cooperation mechanism of ARF, ASEM, ASEAN +3, EAC.... 3. In the early of 21st century, ASEAN is continuing to go ahead, overcoming challenges to build an ASEAN community & ASEAN charter.