The Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) has been established in August 1967 with the action taken by all five founder states to sign the Bangkok Declaration. The enlargement of ASEAN to be ten member states in 1999 marked the significant on regional cooperation in facing the challenges of globalization. Since 1992, the focus has shifted to the strengthening ASEAN relationship with its extra regional partners including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Australia and others thru the establishment of other regional institution such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1994 and the existence of ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement in 1992. ASEAN’s centrality has been adopted as the regional interest and ambition while maintaining a good relationship among its member states and with other external partners. The rise of China in 1990s caused the United States and China were competing each other to be the super power in international political system. Therefore, both major powers have increasing their commitment to engage with ASEAN in order to achieve their ambition in wider region, the Asia Pacific region. Notably, as a small entity in Asia Pacific, ASEAN would probably face many challenges while trying to contribute to the development of Asia Pacific Community. Therefore, a study has been carried out to study the potential challenges faced by ASEAN in the Asia Pacific region and how it could affect the centrality role of ASEAN.
