Under the influence of global climate change, Southeast Asia is facing severe threats caused by natural disasters over the last decade, such as drought, floods and tropical storms. Admittedly, natural disasters are a constant threat to the region. However, they also provide opportunities to improve or reshape bilateral and regional relations. Southeast Asian countries can enhance mutual trust and mutual recognition through disaster diplomacy.

Geological disasters are a frequent occurrence and pose a true challenge to humankind. Problems caused by disasters cannot be resolved singly by one country with limited resources. In such a disaster-prone region, Southeast Asian countries have no choice but to strengthen regional cooperation to cope with disasters.

The ASEAN Secretariat established the ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance in May 2008. It was established originally to provide Myanmar with aid for reconstruction after the country was broadsided by Cyclone Nargis in 2008. This is part of disaster diplomacy. However, the intention and ability to operate disaster diplomacy in most Southeast Asian countries remain vulnerable.

ASEAN countries' donations only account for 17.8 percent of all resource contributions for the Cooperation Fund. Due to the lack of resources within the region, affected countries have to turn for help from outside players in terms of human resources, technology and aid funds. This will create a culture of dependency.

National interests drive external powers to play a role in disaster diplomacy in Southeast Asia. Their assistance helps achieve their strategic objectives.

Take the Myanmar cyclone disaster and US assistance as an example. After the cyclone, many US military figures claimed that US troops in the Asia-Pacific region were ready to deploy aircraft carriers and transport planes to rescue victims.

There were two reasons behind this high-profile claim. Firstly, this action could benefit US influence in the international community and enhance US soft power. Secondly, the US could reinforce its political penetration in Southeast Asia.

Also, the US and the Philippines launched a two-week joint military exercise to cope with natural disasters and other regional challenges on April 16, 2012. This military exercise was nominally to improve disaster relief. However, the US sought to consolidate its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is undeniable that relatively small countries can obtain resources and security guarantees from larger powers in disaster diplomacy. However, Southeast Asian countries should note that this outside participation is not altogether altruistic. The US needs allies such as the Philippines and springboards such as Myanmar's disaster to fulfill its pivot back to Asia.

In this process, Southeast Asian countries' dependence on external powers will inevitably lead to worsening vulnerability in disaster diplomacy. The Southeast Asian countries' capability to build cooperation will be undermined in the long term.

Also, continuing deterioration of the asymmetric structure of resources will influence the disaster diplomacy framework in South Asia.

Destructive geological disasters have given rise to a broad sense of insecurity in Southeast Asia. Countries in the region have already taken actions to cooperate with each other. However, most past cooperation was conducted in a responsive manner and no early prevention system has been established.

In view of this, Southeast Asian countries should reduce their dependence on external players. They should make full use of the resources they have to strengthen regional cooperation, and promote the establishment of a comprehensive, multi-domain, and compound disaster warning mechanism. Natural disasters can be coped with quickly and effectively in this way.



The author is vice director of Political Science Institute of East China University of Politics and Law. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn