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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I want my $150 million in tax dollars back.

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 

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.

So, basically the typical diplomatic meeting outcome

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

'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.

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

 I always wonder what actually happens at these err summits.