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View all search resultsASEAN-US summit: Yes to economic cooperation, no to security alliance
Biden’s Indo-Pacific economic framework would make up for the missing piece to help ensure that the 10 ASEAN members continue to have strong engagement with the US.
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SEAN leaders should welcome United States President Joe Biden’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, but never as part of the overall US security strategy in the region. Instead, when ASEAN leaders meet with Biden in Washington, DC, next month, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo should push Biden to incorporate his initiative into the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
While both emphasize economic cooperation, Biden’s framework excludes China, while the ASEAN Outlook seeks to promote economic cooperation that includes everyone in the region, including China. One is clearly superior and more workable than the other.
The White House has announced that Biden will host the special summit with leaders of the ASEAN on May 12-13 to demonstrate the US’ enduring commitment to ASEAN, recognizing its central role in delivering sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges.
“Our shared aspirations for the region will continue to underpin our common commitment to advancing an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, secure, connected and resilient,” said White House spokesperson Jen Psaki.
Biden is expected to explain in more detail the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which he first unveiled in October 2021, and secure ASEAN leaders’ endorsement.
There is every reason for ASEAN leaders to accept Biden’s initiative for more economic collaboration for countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Thanks to Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, the US removed itself from the region’s most important trade arrangement when it pulled out of negotiations on the creation of the Trans Pacific Partnership in 2017. The Comprehensive and Progressive Treaty for Trans Pacific Partnership agreement was eventually signed in 2018 by 11 countries, including some ASEAN countries and without the US.
The US' absence in the region was all the more glaring when the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP) — which includes all ASEAN members and China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand – came into force in January.
