ASEAN: China, Myanmar top summit agenda
The meeting of Southeast Asian countries comes as ASEAN is struggling to convince world leaders that it deserves to play a central role in the region.
Southeast Asian leaders are meeting in Indonesia on Tuesday with the Myanmar crisis and China's assertiveness in the South China Sea headlining discussions.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit will be followed by talks with Beijing, Washington and other powers later this week, where the US will be represented by Vice President Kamala Harris in the absence of President Joe Biden.
The US attendance highlights its endeavors to counter China's influence, particularly in the South China Sea, a significant global trade route.
US-China rivalry and ASEAN's challenges
While Biden's absence raises questions about US commitment, Harris has emphasized Washington's support for regional allies against any form of intimidation.
This follows her previous visits to countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines, reinforcing the US stance on China's regional actions.
Therivalry between the two global powers has also exposed fault lines within ASEAN. While countries like the Philippines and Vietnam lean towards Washington, Cambodia is more aligned with Beijing.
US officials and analysts see Beijing's assertiveness in the region as an opportunity for Washington to establish stronger ties with its allies.
China, Myanmar on the agenda
Leaders gathering in Jakarta will be primarily concerned with China's influence in the region and the conflict in Myanmar.
"The eyes of our peoples are on us to prove ASEAN still matters and can contribute towards peace, stability and prosperity in the region," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Monday.
Disputes over the South China Sea have been escalating since Beijing released of a map claiming large parts of the region.
Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines have dismissed China's map claims.
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