US President Trump skips ASEAN summit for 3rd consecutive year; NSA O’Brien in attendance

Incumbent US President Donald Trump skipped ASEAN summit for third year in a row, raising concerns that China might expand its influence on free-tre region. Trump, who h sent his representative for past two years, was scheduled to host a meeting with 10 ASEAN leers in Los Angeles in March this year. However, meet could t materialize after coronavirus pandemic struck.

Envoy stresses on US-ASEAN ties

National Security visor Robert O’Brien, who was named as American envoy to summit last week, regretted absence of Trump. However, he stressed that ties with region were crucial. “At this time of global crisis, U.S.-ASEAN strategic partnership has become even more important as we work toger to combat coronavirus," O'Brien said in remarks at virtual opening ceremony.

In dendum, NSA also highlighting ecomic relations between two touting ASEAN as fourth-largest tring partner for U.S and tre reaching over $354 billion in 2019.  “We deeply appreciate ASEAN partners' efforts to keep key supply chains open, factories operating and PPE flowing," O'Brien said. In dendum, he also concluded that US h, in total, contributed $87 million to aid souast Asia in battling  coronavirus pandemic.

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India pledges USD 1 million to ASEAN fund

On or hand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi anunced a contribution of USD 1 million to COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and stressed on leveraging strong ties between two sides in battle against pandemic. He also pitched for convergence of approach between India and 10-nation ASEAN in ensuring a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific, a region that has witnessed renewed global focus in view of China's expansionist behaviour. At a virtual summit, India and ASEAN also deliberated on situation in South China Sea and affirmed importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in region besides ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

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