“Clearly I’m sceptical of ASEAN diplomacy,” says analyst Euan Graham amid expectations the regional summit will paper over differences of opinion over China.
Already a subscriber?Anthony Albanese and South-East Asian leaders are expected to tiptoe around China’s regional provocations at this week’s, with the desire to issue a unanimous statement meaning splits among the bloc over Beijing need to be papered over.
ASEAN will be the biggest gathering of leaders in Australia for six years. Leaders attending include Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who are both in the final months of their long tenures in office, Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính, and Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Mr Albanese said the summit would take forward former Macquarie Group chief executive Nicholas Moore’s report that charted an economic strategy for Australia in South-East Asia, and was handed to the government last year. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and first lady Pich Chanmony arrive in Melbourne for the ASEAN Summit.While many ASEAN members have territorial disputes with China, none are as forthright in their criticism as the Philippines. Some, such as Singapore, are trying to steer a middle path between China and the US, while others like Cambodia and Laos are seen as firmly aligned with Beijing.
“Indonesia is a frustrating partner, will choose its own path and wants to have its cake and eat it too with China. Singapore has taken the decision diplomatically to keep its head down.”
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