Progress on ASEAN economic integration likely in 2017
Subject Outlook for ASEAN's agenda in 2017. Significance The Philippines begins operating as ASEAN's chair for 2017 in January, the annual position having rotated to Manila, which will preside over ASEAN's 50th year. Political changes in South-east Asia, including Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's inauguration back in June, call into question ASEAN's future direction on issues including territorial disputes between China and several South-east Asian nations in the South China Sea. Impacts The terrorist threat in South-east Asia and the southern Philippines particularly could grow. AEC integration could help Duterte politically, as his domestic and foreign affairs interests converge in the economic sector. The current Myanmar Rohingya Muslims controversy may spread into ASEAN next year.