The peace and stability that the Southeast Asian countries have been enjoying today to a large
extent, largely due to ASEAN's role as a forum that promotes and fosters trust and confidence
amongst its Member States. ASEAN has successfully maintained peace, stability and security in
the region through the various frameworks and mechanisms, such as Zone of Peace, Freedom
and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) (1971), Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)
(1976), and Southeast Asian Nuclear‐Weapon‐Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) (1995). To further
enhance regional cooperation in political and security issues, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
was established in 1994, which now comprises 27 participating countries including all major
regional players. The ARF who serves as a forum for constructive dialogue and consultation to
promote confidence‐building and preventive diplomacy in the region.