Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus Three (China, Japan, South Korea)
Full Form of ASEAN3
What is ASEAN3?
ASEAN3, formally known as ASEAN+3, is a cooperative framework that brings together the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the three major East Asian economies: China, Japan, and South Korea. Established in the late 1990s following the Asian financial crisis, this grouping aims to promote regional economic integration, financial stability, and political dialogue. In the Indian context, ASEAN3 is significant because it represents a key bloc in the broader Indo-Pacific region, with which India engages through platforms like the East Asia Summit and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The term is frequently used in news reports, policy discussions, and academic papers dealing with trade agreements, currency swaps under the Chiang Mai Initiative, and joint infrastructure projects. For competitive exams such as UPSC, understanding ASEAN3 is crucial for questions on India’s Act East policy, regional groupings, and international relations. The grouping meets annually and has expanded its agenda to include food security, energy cooperation, and disaster management, making it a cornerstone of East Asian regionalism.
ASEAN3 का फुल फॉर्म
दक्षिण-पूर्वी एशियाई राष्ट्रों का संघ प्लस तीन (चीन, जापान, दक्षिण कोरिया)
Example
India's decision to join the RCEP negotiations alongside ASEAN3 members was seen as a strategic move to strengthen economic ties with East Asia.