Will nuclear submarines be permitted in ASEAN waters?

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Nuclear Submarines in ASEAN Waters: An Unanswered Question

Malaysia's stance on the AUKUS defence pact, specifically concerning the potential operation of nuclear-powered submarines within ASEAN waters, remains unaddressed in the parliamentary agenda. A question filed by Lim Guan Eng, Member of Parliament for Bagan, seeks clarification from the Minister of Defence regarding this matter. The inquiry is framed within the context of the security implications for ASEAN countries, referencing the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) Declaration.
Parliamentary Inquiry on AUKUS and ASEAN Security

A specific parliamentary question has been raised concerning the AUKUS pact, which involves Australia's acquisition of eight nuclear-powered submarines at a cost of AUD368 billion. The inquiry aims to ascertain Malaysia's official position on this development and its potential ramifications for the security landscape of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The query is grounded in the principles outlined in the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) Declaration, a 1971 statement by ASEAN members aiming to keep the region free from external interference and conflict.
Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality Declaration Context

The ZOPFAN Declaration, established by ASEAN member states in 1971, articulates a commitment to maintaining Southeast Asia as a zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality, free from any form of external interference. While the declaration predates the advent of nuclear-powered submarines as a significant naval technology, its underlying principles of regional security and non-interference are central to the current parliamentary question. The inquiry implicitly probes how the presence of nuclear-powered vessels aligns with or challenges the long-standing objectives of ZOPFAN.
Lack of Stated ASEAN Policy on Nuclear Submarine Operations

The existing parliamentary records indicate a request for information regarding whether these nuclear-powered submarines will be permitted to operate within the waters of ASEAN countries. However, the provided information does not contain any official statement or collective policy from ASEAN, nor Malaysia's specific decision, on this particular issue. Therefore, a definitive answer on the permissibility of nuclear submarines operating in ASEAN waters cannot be determined from the current context.

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Will nuclear submarines be permitted in ASEAN waters?

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