ASEAN-US summit: Long on talk, short on substance

[webfact]

 

By Thai PBS World’s Regional Desk

 

Only diplomatic platitudes in the joint vision statement plus a small financial package demonstrated the Joe Biden administration’s commitment to maintain momentum in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy in Southeast Asia, in what could be described as a vague and weak second special ASEAN-US Summit held in Washington D.C. on May 12-13.

 

Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, as the chair of ASEAN, however, put a positive spin on the outcome. In his social media post, he said that both sides had agreed to upgrade their relations to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, the same level as the regional grouping’s ties with China and Australia, achieved last year.

 

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While the joint statement indicated that a meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial partnership would be formally established during the 10th ASEAN-US Summit in Cambodia in November this year, many ASEAN members had no clue on how to achieve that in real terms.

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-19

 

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[John Drake]

I want my $150 million in tax dollars back.

[RichardColeman]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

demonstrated the Joe Biden administration’s commitment to maintain momentum in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy in Southeast Asia, in what could be described as a vague and weak second special ASEAN-US Summit

Vague and weak sums up Biden completely 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

While the joint statement indicated that a meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial partnership would be formally established during the 10th ASEAN-US Summit in Cambodia in November this year, many ASEAN members had no clue on how to achieve that in real terms.

But the luncheons were terrific.

[poskat]

So, basically the typical diplomatic meeting outcome

[Searat7]

Harris gave a very embarrassing speech. I wish they would hide her in a cellar.

[Andycoops]

'many ASEAN members have no clue' just about sums up most of the Muppets in charge of these countries, Thailand, Burma being top of the clueless list.

[Stargeezr]

Long on talk? does that mean a few days of great meals as well. 

 I always wonder what actually happens at these err summits.