by Natthaphon Sangpolsit

    

WASHINGTON (NNT) - The United States has promised to spend US $150 million on Southeast Asian infrastructure, security, pandemic preparedness and other efforts that observers say are aimed at countering China’s influence in the region.

 

On Thursday (12 May), U.S. President Joe Biden started a two-day summit with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Washington with a dinner for the leaders at the White House ahead of talks at the State Department on Friday (13 May).

 

Biden smiled broadly as he took a group photo on the South Lawn of the White House before the dinner with representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

 

While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is on the agenda, Biden’s administration hopes the efforts will show the countries that Washington remains focused on the Asia-Pacific and the long-term challenge of China, which the U.S. views as its main competitor.

 

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Responding to Biden’s latest move, China’s foreign ministry said it welcomes any cooperation that promotes sustainable development and prosperity in the region.

 

Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing on Friday that "China and ASEAN do not engage in zero-sum games and do not promote bloc confrontation."

 

Analysts have noted that Biden’s commitments pale in comparison to China’s deep ties and influence.

 

In November alone, China pledged $1.5 billion in development assistance to ASEAN countries over three years to fight the pandemic and fuel economic recovery.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-16

 

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Drop in the ocean compared to the billions China has pledged on top of the billions already invested through belt and road projects throughout Asia. 

 However I'm sure the Asean nations will smile and nod and take the paltry US donation as well. So they should.

Actually what they should do is tell the US to take that insulting offer and jam it where it belongs.

....let's see 150 million divided by 10 how much infrastructure does that buy? How much security? Think the horse might have bolted on pandemic preparedness.

49 minutes ago, starky said:

150 million divided by 10

15 for a few military uniform pockets????

Does it have a Lend Lease clause?

The USA will still be short changed; ASEAN has already gone to the highest bidder. Time for America to leave ASEAN to the Chinese. Move their factories to South & Central America where the shipping lanes are easier to protect.

Nah.. 150 millions? i don't think the US can afford it, do you know how much is 150 millions dollars for the US? Let's see now...

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The United States has promised to spend US $150 million on Southeast Asian infrastructure, security, pandemic preparedness and other efforts that observers say are aimed at countering China’s influence in the region

So Thailand will be omitted from any payments, as they're are joined at the hip with China?

I think US know how corrupt this region is ...anything they are giving is going to Elite's pockets!

3 hours ago, IAMHERE said:

The USA will still be short changed; ASEAN has already gone to the highest bidder. Time for America to leave ASEAN to the Chinese. Move their factories to South & Central America where the shipping lanes are easier to protect.

Certainly an option needing the economic studies ... but then, somehow I am guessing American companies are already working the figures.

Just keep that Baht down—Thailand will survive, if not flourish.

3 hours ago, RandiRona said:

I think US know how corrupt this region is ...anything they are giving is going to Elite's pockets!

I used to think I could criticize this as an American. The more history I studied and reflecting on the current corruption in American institutions ... well, I no longer feel in a position of moral high ground ... sad to say.

Less than that new bridge over the Chayao Praya river in Bangkok costs to build.

45 minutes ago, wwest5829 said:

I used to think I could criticize this as an American. The more history I studied and reflecting on the current corruption in American institutions ... well, I no longer feel in a position of moral high ground ... sad to say.

Who says that an immoral would like to see immorality from others?  Corruption is Institutionalized in this region and if not for China, SEA would have been LATAM for USA.

150 mio isn't much.....more of a "gift" from the US to the 10 members.....creating a bit of payback sometime