The summit comes against the backdrop of an ongoing pandemic, heightened concerns about China's ambitions as Russia wages war in Ukraine, and tension between the U.S. and Myanmar.
"It is a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration to serve as a strong, reliable partner in Southeast Asia," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement Saturday."Our shared aspirations for the region will continue to underpin our common commitment to advance an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, secure, connected, and resilient."
Psaki said Biden would build on commitments the U.S. made at an October meeting of ASEAN, which included $102 million devoted to health, environmental, economic and gender equality initiatives. The U.S. is not a member of the ASEAN, but has worked closely with the group and its members to counter China's influence in the Eastern Hemisphere.
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