By: Curie Maharani and Wendy A. Prajuli 17 March 2025 ASEAN must reinforce its unity and centrality, leveraging strategic partnerships like India to navigate shifting geopolitics. United States (US) President Donald Trump’s appointment of a hawkish, anti-Chinese secretary of state and a defence minister signalled that future US policy would not only escalate Indo-Pacific tensions but also sideline ASEAN. ASEAN must not be caught off guard, as was Europe. ASEAN must reinforce