Phar, Kim Beng and Hamzah, Luthfy (2025) ASEAN’s rare earths promise needs unity and resolve. ASEAN’s rare earths promise needs unity and resolve, NA (NA). pp. 1-4.
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Abstract
The article argues that ASEAN possesses significant potential to emerge as a major global player in the rare earth elements (REEs) industry, yet this opportunity can only be realised through deeper regional unity, industrial coordination, and long-term geopolitical resolve. It highlights that Southeast Asia is richly endowed with critical mineral reserves, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar, at a time when the world is urgently seeking alternatives to China’s dominance in rare earth mining and processing. The article contends that ASEAN’s challenge is not the absence of resources, but rather the absence of collective strategic vision. Without regional integration, ASEAN risks remaining merely a supplier of raw materials while advanced economies capture the higher-value stages of processing, manufacturing, and technological innovation. The analysis further stresses that rare earths are no longer simply economic commodities but strategic assets central to green technologies, defence industries, and geopolitical influence. It proposes several measures to strengthen ASEAN’s position, including the establishment of an ASEAN Rare Earth Processing Consortium, harmonised environmental regulations, regional financing mechanisms, and expanded cooperation in scientific research and industrial training. The article also warns against allowing ASEAN to become an arena for US–China rivalry, arguing instead for strategic neutrality and resilience. Drawing attention to environmental degradation in Myanmar’s unregulated mining zones and the global competition for critical minerals, the piece concludes that ASEAN must transform its geological advantages into geopolitical leverage before time and external powers diminish its bargaining power. Ultimately, it frames the rare earth race as a test of whether ASEAN can move beyond rhetoric and act collectively in shaping its own technological and strategic future.
| Item Type: | Article (Electronic Media) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Rare Earth Elements; ASEAN; US-China rivalry; |
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Political Science Office of the Rector |
| Depositing User: | Mr Muhammad Syameer Luthfy Bin Hamzah |
| Date Deposited: | 08 May 2026 09:43 |
| Last Modified: | 08 May 2026 09:43 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-05-Q3252 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128881 |
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