ASEAN

World News

Japan bolsters security ties with neighbors at summit amid tensions with China

10:18am December 17, 2023

by The Associated Press

Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations adopted a joint vision that emphasizes security and economic cooperation, amid growing tensions with China.

President Joe Biden and leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations arrive for a group photo on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Biden looks to nudge ASEAN leaders to speak out on Russia

3:10am May 13, 2022

by The Associated Press

Despite Washington's focus on the war in Ukraine, the White House is trying to demonstrate that it is stepping up in the Asia-Pacific.

A train is ready on the station during the handover ceremony of the high-speed rail project in Vientiane, Laos, connecting the city with Kunming, China, on Dec. 3, 2021.

With U.S. focused on defense, China's trade and infrastructure sweep Southeast Asia

7:43am January 20, 2022

by Julie McCarthy

The Biden administration hopes to make deeper inroads in Southeast Asia but lags far behind China, which has already built up major trade ties, as well as roads and a high-speed rail.

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Demonstrators take shelter and block the road during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar on Wednesday.

World News

At Least 18 Killed In Another Bloody Day For Myanmar

11:22am March 03, 2021

by Scott Neuman

A crackdown on anti-junta protests in Myanmar showed no signs of letting up, a day after after Southeast Asian foreign ministers issued a tepid call to end to the violence.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh applaud next to a screen showing Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Trade Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama holding up signed RCEP agreement, in Hanoi, Vietnam. China and 1

World News

Asia-Pacific Allies Sign Huge Trade Deal With China While U.S. Sits It Out

9:16pm November 17, 2020

by Julie McCarthy

What it means for the U.S. to be on the sidelines of another major trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which 15 countries agreed to Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) sits beside Vice President Pence, who talks to U.S. national security adviser John Bolton (left) during the 13th East Asian Summit in Singapore on Thursday.

Pence, Putin And Bolton Have 'Informal Conversation' At Asian Summit In Singapore

3:45pm November 15, 2018

by Bill Chappell

They "discussed the upcoming G20 Summit and touched on the issues that will be discussed" when President Trump and Putin attend that meeting, the White House says.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad salutes during the opening of a session of parliament in Kuala Lumpur on July 17.

World News

Pompeo Arrives In Malaysia After A Former Ruler Makes A Surprising Comeback

6:41pm August 01, 2018

by Ashley Westerman

The secretary of state will meet senior officials from the new Malaysian government, following the country's unexpected election result.

President Trump does the "ASEAN-way handshake" with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on stage during the opening ceremony at the ASEAN Summit on Monday. Trump initially did the handshake incorrect

World News

President Trump Caught Off-Guard By 'ASEAN-Way Handshake'

9:45am November 13, 2017

by Scott Neuman

In a photo op with leaders of Asia in the Philippines, Trump stumbles to do the regional grouping's trademark unity handshake.

President Trump shakes hand with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during the gala dinner marking ASEAN's 50th anniversary in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday.

World News

Human Rights Barely Registers In Meeting Between Trump, Philippines' Duterte

4:50am November 13, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Trump declined to say if meeting with Philippine president touched on human rights over Duterte's bloody war on drugs, but the White House says it did come up, briefly.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrives Monday in Vientiane, Laos, for the ASEAN Summit. The U.S. canceled a bilateral meeting scheduled for Dutarte and President Obama.

Philippine President Expresses 'Regret' For Cursing Obama

12:09pm September 06, 2016

by Elise Hu

The White House has been critical of Rodrigo Duterte for the killing of thousands of suspected drug dealers since he took office. A planned meeting between the two leaders was canceled.