The United States And Brunei: Partners Or Not?

The United States and Brunei have a long history of diplomatic relations, with the US welcoming and recognising Brunei's independence from the UK in 1984. The two countries have since established several agreements, including a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in 1850, which is still in effect. In 1994, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, which has led to joint military exercises, training programs, and other forms of military cooperation. The US and Brunei also engage regularly on trade and investment issues under the 2002 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, with trade between the two countries totalling $276 million in 2022. Brunei's armed forces have also participated in joint exercises with the US, such as the Pahlawan Warrior Exercise in 2022, and the country's military personnel have attended US military academies. In addition, Brunei is a member of several international organisations that the US is also a part of, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the East Asia Summit.

The US-Brunei Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation

The treaty established that peace, friendship, and good understanding shall subsist forever between the two nations and their citizens and subjects. It granted citizens of both countries full liberty to enter, reside, trade, and pass merchandise through all parts of the other's dominions, enjoying the privileges and advantages with respect to commerce that may be granted to the citizens or subjects of the most favoured nation.

The treaty also allowed citizens of the United States to purchase, rent, or acquire property within the dominions of the Sultan of Brunei and ensured that they would be protected and secure, along with their property. It stipulated that trade between the two nations would be free and subject only to custom duties. A duty of no more than one dollar per registered ton would be levied on American vessels entering Bruneian ports, and American trade and goods would be exempt from any internal duties or injurious regulations.

Additionally, the treaty stated that ships of war of the United States would be allowed to freely enter Bruneian ports and obtain supplies, and that Bruneian authorities would assist American vessels wrecked on its coast. It also specified that citizens of the United States accused of crimes in Bruneian territory would be tried and adjudged exclusively by an American consul or other appointed officer, and that the consul would have the power to hear and decide disputes or differences between American citizens or between American citizens and Bruneian subjects without interference from Bruneian authorities.

The treaty was signed by His Highness Omar Ali Saifeddin ebn Marhoum Sultan Mahomed Jamalil Alam and Pangiran Anak Mumin of Brunei, and by representatives of the United States of America. It has been celebrated by both nations, with the 161st anniversary of its signing commemorated when the new US Embassy opened in Bandar Seri Begawan in 2011.

Bilateral economic relations

The United States and Brunei have a long history of economic relations, with a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation established in 1850 that is still in effect today. In 2022, trade between the two countries totalled $276 million, with aircraft being a notable import from the US, including Sikorsky Black Hawk S70i helicopters and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. US firms operate in the energy, consulting, and financial services sectors, and US franchises and brands are also thriving in Brunei.

Brunei has a small, energy-rich economy with a stable political climate, excellent infrastructure, and a well-educated, largely English-speaking population. The country is working to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy, which is heavily dependent on oil and gas. The US and Brunei have a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in place since 2002, and US businesses have opportunities in sectors such as aerospace and defence, agribusiness, construction, and petrochemicals.

Brunei is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and gives this membership the highest priority in its foreign relations. It also has strong economic ties with Singapore, including a currency agreement and close military relations. Brunei is an active participant in international economic agreements, being a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). It is also a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a partner under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

The US and Brunei have a history of collaboration in the energy sector, with the two countries initiating the US-Asia Pacific Comprehensive Energy Partnership. This partnership aims to address energy scarcity and access in the Asia-Pacific region. Brunei has ambitious climate goals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% and increase its share of renewable energy to 30% by 2035. The country is investing in solar power and electric vehicles to achieve these targets.

Military cooperation

The United States and Brunei have a long history of military cooperation. The two countries signed a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in 1850, which is still in effect. When Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1984, the United States welcomed it and established an embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan. A memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation was signed in 1994, which has led to joint exercises, training programs, and other forms of military cooperation between the two countries.

Brunei's strategic location has also made it an important partner for the United States during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. The country allowed the United States to use its tropical jungle for anti-guerrilla warfare training. Brunei's armed forces continue to engage in joint exercises and training programs with the United States, such as the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, which is at the core of the bilateral defence relationship. Bruneian military personnel have also attended U.S. military academies, and U.S. military students have participated in the Brunei Command and Staff Course.

In addition to its military cooperation with the United States, Brunei also has close military relations with other countries, such as Singapore. The Royal Brunei Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy conduct an annual Exercise Pelican, showcasing their strong ties. Brunei's relationship with Singapore also includes an agreement for Singapore to train its armed forces.

Diplomatic relations

The United States and Brunei have enjoyed diplomatic relations since the 19th century, when the USS Constitution visited Brunei in 1845. The two countries concluded a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in 1850, which remains in effect today. The United States maintained a consulate in Brunei from 1865 to 1867.

The contemporary era of US-Brunei relations began in 1984 when Brunei gained full independence from the United Kingdom. The US welcomed this development and opened an embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan on 1 January 1984. Brunei reciprocated by opening its embassy in Washington, D.C. in March 1984.

The two countries have a history of military cooperation, with Brunei permitting the US to use its tropical jungle for anti-guerrilla warfare training during the Vietnam War. In 1994, they signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, which has resulted in joint exercises, training programs, and other forms of military cooperation. Brunei's armed forces have participated in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, and its military personnel have attended US military academies.

In 2011, the United States and Brunei held their inaugural Senior Officials Dialogue, creating a new forum for high-level coordination and communication. The two countries work closely together on a bilateral and regional agenda, tackling pressing issues through common regional priorities. They are both members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and participate in the East Asia Summit. They also share membership in several international organizations, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization.

The United States and Brunei have a strong economic relationship, with US firms operating in the energy, consulting, and financial services sectors. Trade between the two countries totalled $276 million in 2022, with aircraft being a significant part of their trade. US franchises and brands are also present and thriving in Brunei.

Brunei has taken steps to attract foreign investment and create a transparent investment regime. It offers various investment incentives and has amended its laws to make it easier for entrepreneurs and investors to establish businesses. The country has ambitious climate change goals and is working to diversify its economy away from its dependence on oil and gas.

In summary, the United States and Brunei have a longstanding and productive diplomatic relationship, characterised by close military cooperation, shared regional priorities, and strong economic ties.

International organisations

Brunei and the United States are members of several of the same international organisations and forums, including:

• The United Nations
• The International Monetary Fund
• The World Bank
• The World Trade Organization
• The East Asia Summit
• The ASEAN Regional Forum
• The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum
• The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
• The Commonwealth of Nations
• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• The ASEAN-Japan Centre
• The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
• The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)

Frequently asked questions