Canberra, Jan 20 (NationPress) An expanded operational framework for the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) would empower its members to tackle maritime issues that extend beyond simply countering China's influence in the South China Sea. This approach would bolster the forum’s credibility on both regional and international stages, while also diminishing criticism from China, according to a report released on Tuesday.

As highlighted by the report from the Australia-based publication ‘The Strategist’, the ACF may in the future consider forming cooperative agreements with countries outside the region, including China, for joint exercises, patrolling efforts, capacity building, and training initiatives.

“Southeast Asian nations must unite their coast guard operations if they wish to effectively resist and counter Chinese aggression, especially given the diminishing interest of the U.S. in the South China Sea, which may embolden China to intensify its pressure on other claimant nations. Formalizing the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) within broader ASEAN initiatives could be a vital strategy,” the report elaborated.

“The United States’ National Security Strategy, published in December, has shifted focus towards the western hemisphere, underscored by this month’s military engagement in Venezuela. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump showed hesitance to engage in discussions about the South China Sea dispute during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos’ visit to the U.S. in July 2025, indicating a clear lack of U.S. interest in the region. Indeed, throughout 2025, the U.S. executed merely one freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea,” the report also noted.

The report emphasized that the ACF has the potential to significantly counteract Chinese intimidation in the South China Sea.

“Established in 2022, the ACF conducted a table-top exercise in 2023 aimed at improving communication and trust among the coast guards of ASEAN member countries. During its third meeting in 2024, the forum produced two consolidated working drafts for the ACF’s formal integration under the ASEAN framework. Participants also recommended draft operational protocols for interaction between coast guard and maritime law enforcement agencies at sea during that meeting,” it stated.

“The formal establishment of the ACF would enhance maritime collaboration and coordination among Southeast Asian coast guards, setting the stage for joint patrols in the South China Sea. This would act as a deterrent to Chinese coercion on the fishing and naval vessels of claimant nations,” it continued.

Furthermore, the report indicated that formalizing the ACF would deliver a unified message that ASEAN member states are adept at managing their collective maritime territory under international law, thus helping to deter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.