AS one of the most dynamic continents, Asia boasts one third of global GDP. With an increasing convergence of interests and mutually beneficial development, the region is becoming a community of shared destiny. This lays a sound foundation for its overall stability.

But Asia has never left the shadow of security threats that can potentially lead to its downfall. Just as Greek mythology portrays the otherwise-invulnerable Achilles as dying from a shot to his heel, Asia has a deadly weakness.

Without security, Asia cannot maintain its role as the engine of the world’s economic growth. Today’s emerging markets can be tomorrow’s fragile and war-plagued nations. The achieved fruits of development could be wiped out one day.