Cooperation among Southeast Asia's Coastal Guards in the East Sea Against Maritime Crime: Challenges and Perspectives

The East Sea is a vital maritime corridor with significant economic and geopolitical importance. However, it faces ongoing threats from maritime crime, including piracy and smuggling. This paper examines the challenges and viewpoints related to fostering cooperation among the coastal guards of Southeast Asia to address these issues. This study underscores the potential for enhanced regional collaboration to ensure maritime security and stability by analyzing existing initiatives, identifying barriers, and proposing actionable strategies.