The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2015 has been circulating on the news for quite some time now and, admit it or not, it’s a lot to take in all at once, especially with all the technicalities.

There’s no need to fret. Here are some fast facts about the integration:

8. ASEAN 101

7. ASEAN Vision 2020

On the 30th anniversary of ASEAN, its leaders adopted a vision for all the members, which is to be a clear and compact association that lives in sync, with all members having a beneficial relationship, all for the development of the communities of each nation.

6. Pillar I: Economic Community 2015

By 2015, the ASEAN nations are set to have one economic integration. This means that all ten countries are going to have a unified market and production base, free flow of goods, services, investments, and skilled labor, and less stricter capital movement. If ASEAN Economic Integration pushes through, it will be the seventh largest economy in the world.

5. Pillar II: Socio-Cultural Community

To help achieve the economic integration, ASEAN nations also need to forge a common ASEAN identity, unique to all Asian nations and one that helps the nations build a strong society that cares for the well-being, livelihood, and welfare of the every person.

4. Pillar III: Political-Security Community

Alongside the economic and identity integration comes the glue that sticks everything together. The Political-Security Community serves as the rule that governs all ASEAN nations, making sure that all countries live in a peaceful, democratic, and harmonious environment. It covers certain grounds to follow when it comes to development, encountering regional conflicts and its solutions, and adapting a shared set of norms.

3. ASEAN Charter and Human Rights Declaration

These serve as the sole southeast Asian constitution of ASEAN member-countries where basic rights, privileges, roles and functions are stated. It is also where the three pillars are rooted from.

2. Challenges ahead

1. Issues with China

The most pressing dilemma ASEAN faces today is the territorial dispute between the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and China. Earlier, ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh expressed ASEAN’s stand to stop China from harassing ASEAN countries. Cambodia, an ally of China, will try to stand as mediator to the nations in spite of being criticized for siding with China back in 2012. China and the mentioned ASEAN countries have long been in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea. China so far has little interest to cooperate.

Do you have any other must-know facts about ASEAN 2015? Leave a comment and share them with us!