(Reuters) — U.S. President Barack Obama held a meeting with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders for the last time on Thursday (September 8) and reiterated U.S. commitment to rebalancing Asia.
Obama became the first incumbent U.S. president to visit Laos this week for a series of meetings with the heads of state of the 10-nation regional bloc.
“I’ve now met with leaders of ASEAN eight times, visited Southeast Asia more than any other U.S. president, it reflects the growing importance of ASEAN and this region. ASEAN is key to the U.S. rebalance to Asia and more importantly is key to a peaceful and prosperous future for the world. And we’ve forged this strategic partnership, the U.S. is committed to building on this solid foundation,” Obama said in opening remarks.
Security concerns in the South China Sea where a few ASEAN nations have overlapping claims with its giant neighbour, China are likely to be discussed. China claims much of the lucrative sea through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually.
The heads of ASEAN countries, as well as Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang among six other leaders, “reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation in and over-flight in the South China Sea” in earlier meetings.
But the draft of a statement to be issued in Vientiane, Laos, tiptoed around the regional strains caused by competing claims to areas of the strategically important sea.
The statement, seen by Reuters, made no reference to a July ruling by a court in The Hague that declared illegal some of China’s artificial islands in the sea and invalidated its claims to almost the entire waterway.
“With respect to maritime issues, we’ll continue to work to ensure that disputes are resolved peacefully including in the South China Sea. The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped to clarify maritime rights in the region. I recognize this raises tensions but I also look forward to discussing how we can constructively move forward together to lower tensions, and promote diplomacy and regional stability,” Obama said.
Trade talks focusing on the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are also expected to be on the discussion agenda.
Obama has made the 12-nation TPP the centerpiece of a diplomatic “pivot” to Asia, but the prospects for U.S. congressional approval have looked increasingly dim, with both major presidential candidates – Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump – standing opposed.
“Through the US-ASEAN connect initiatives we’re deepening our economic cooperation because ASEAN integration generates new opportunities. The United States will work to promote innovation and entrepreneurship between our countries and throughout the region and we’ll continue to push for completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” said Obama.
Obama’s attendance in the region’s largest political meetup was kicked off with an unusual tension with Philippines its close ally and former colonial power in the region. Ties turned frosty when new President Rodrigo Duterte, who was not present in the Thursday’s US-ASEAN meeting, insulted Obama earlier this week, prompting the cancellation of a meeting between them.
The two leaders made some steps towards clearing the air late on Wednesday (September 7), however, chatting briefly, and exchanging pleasantries as they prepared to take their seats at a leaders’ dinner.
Obama will depart for Washington later in the day.