“ASEAN centrality” - the notion of its leading role in a regional architecture by which the region’s relations with the wider world are conducted, and the interest of the ASEAN community is promoted. According to the ASEAN Political and Security Community blueprint, this centrality would act as “the driving force in charting the evolving regional architecture.” % In the words of its secretary-general, Surin Pitsuwan, “ASEAN has earned the place to play a central role in the evolving regional architecture by virtue of not only being the hub in economic integration initiatives in the region but also by being able to provide the platform for political and economic dialogue and engagement