Obama scores victory by hosting Asean in US but breakthroughs unlikely, analysts say
The summit in California comes after US leader’s push to re-engage the bloc, but participating nations are expected to stick to their strategy of playing Washington and Beijing off each other
As US President Barack Obama and Southeast Asian leaders conclude a landmark summit on Tuesday, Beijing will be warily eyeing a statement that is likely to touch on the contentious South China Sea disputes.
But analysts said the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations grouping were unlikely to go beyond the usual boilerplate clauses that Beijing has been hearing over the years. As the curtains are drawn in the California oasis resort of Sunnylands, they will continue to tread carefully between regional great powers while seeking to reap the benefits of playing one off against the other.
The two-day event was the first of its kind to be held in the US between Washington and Asean, a move that analysts said was aimed at cementing Obama’s legacy in re-engaging with the region before he leaves office next year.
Speaking to the Asean leaders on Monday, Obama said the decision to host the summit was a reflection of a commitment to a “strong and enduring partnership” with Southeast Asia.
Without referencing the South China Sea disputes, he said America’s maritime security assistance had improved the region’s capability to “protect lawful commerce”.
READ MORE: Obama must find ways to enhance Asean unity amid growing tensions over South China Sea
The Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia” has been criticised by Beijing as containing China’s rise and fuelling tensions in the region, in particular in the strategically important South China Sea.
