The president of United States, Joe Bidenreceived the leaders of Southeast Asian countries on Thursday, and showed his country’s commitment to the region in the face of China’s growing aspirations with concrete projects and a revised trade initiative.
The Thursday-Friday summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will allow Biden to insist on his Asian policy, after focusing his attention mainly on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
His main adviser for Asia, Kurt Campbell, explained that the United States seeks to discuss with Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei areas of cooperation such as the fight against the covid-19 pandemic.
The White House announced on Thursday new initiatives for that region for a total of 150 million dollars, of which 60 million will be invested in maritime security against illegal fishing, explained a US official.
Washington will also invest $40 million in clean energy, but hopes to work with the private sector to reach $2 billion in this crucial area.
By themselves, these initiatives will not allow it to compete with China, but the United States relies on the private sector and a broader trade proposal, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), announced in late 2021 by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and to be formally launched by Biden next week during a highly anticipated trip to Tokyo and Seoul.
Campbell said he expected “significant interest” from some ASEAN countries for this IPEF.
Experts say IPEF seeks to formally engage the United States to work with partners on economic priorities such as improving supply chains, fighting corruption or promoting clean energy.
However, unlike traditional trade agreements, this initiative will not guarantee market access to the United States, the world’s largest economy.
Campbell assured that Biden did not intend to embark Asia “in a new Cold War”, and that any trade agreement should meet the “needs” of the populations of the region.