Summit Season in Asia: A Quick Explainer

Summary

The transcript discusses key diplomatic meetings in Southeast Asia, including the ASEAN and East Asia Summits, followed by the G20 in Bali. Leaders from across the Indo-Pacific, including the U.S., China, and Russia, will address regional security and economic challenges. A major focus will be on ASEAN's ability to navigate tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China. The summits aim to strengthen partnerships and address Southeast Asia's priorities, such as trade, investment, and technological collaboration, amidst global economic uncertainty and political issues like the crisis in Myanmar.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The East Asia Summit and ASEAN Summit serve as crucial platforms for regional diplomacy, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
• 📅 The ASEAN Summit is scheduled for November 12th in Cambodia, followed by the East Asia Summit, where ASEAN members meet with key global leaders like those from the US, China, India, and Russia.
• 📜 Extensive preparations for these meetings involve multiple agencies discussing agenda items, outcomes, and talking points for the attending leaders.
• 💬 The meetings focus on regional security issues, which can lead to tense discussions, particularly with leaders from the US, China, and other global powers.
• 🤝 A key goal for leaders like Australia's prime minister is to demonstrate their country's commitment to ASEAN priorities and being a good partner in Southeast Asia.
• 📈 ASEAN leaders are prioritizing sustaining economic growth amid global economic challenges, while also dealing with political issues like the crisis in Myanmar.
• 🌍 After the ASEAN Summit, President Biden will head to Bali, Indonesia for the G20 Leaders' Meeting, where global power tensions, particularly with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping present, will add drama.
• 🔍 Observers are keen to see how ASEAN, especially Cambodia as the chair, handles the increasing tensions between major powers like China and the US during these summits.
• 🛡️ ASEAN countries will look to assess whether the US is genuinely committed to engaging with Southeast Asia beyond just security concerns and competition with China.
• 💡 The region's primary concerns include trade, investment, and technology, and the US's ability to follow through on promises in these areas will be closely watched.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the ASEAN and East Asia Summits mentioned in the transcript?

The ASEAN and East Asia Summits serve as important forums for regional diplomacy, where leaders from ASEAN and neighboring countries, including the U.S., China, India, and others, discuss key regional issues such as security, economic growth, and political challenges.

What are the main priorities of ASEAN leaders during the November summit in Cambodia?

ASEAN leaders will prioritize sustaining economic growth amid global economic challenges, addressing political instability in Myanmar, and working to maintain ASEAN unity in the face of regional security and political issues.

What are some of the logistical challenges associated with these summits?

The summits involve fast-paced diplomacy, with numerous meetings held in large conference centers. Delegations are constantly moving, leaving little time for rest or proper meals, and participants often deal with subpar coffee and limited sleep.

What is Australia's key objective at the ASEAN and East Asia Summits?

Australia aims to demonstrate that it is a good partner to Southeast Asia, particularly in supporting the region's economic, political, and security priorities.

How does the situation in Myanmar impact the ASEAN summit?

Myanmar's deteriorating political situation and the failure to implement ASEAN’s five-point consensus are testing ASEAN unity and will be a key issue discussed during the summit.

What is the significance of the G20 meeting in Bali following the ASEAN summit?

The G20 meeting in Bali is significant as it brings together major global leaders, including those from ASEAN, the U.S., China, and Russia. The potential attendance of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping is expected to add geopolitical drama to the event.

How might China's role in the region affect the tone of the summits?

China, particularly under Xi Jinping’s leadership, is expected to take a more assertive stance in the region, framing its actions as part of a long-term strategic struggle with the U.S. This will likely affect discussions on regional security and economic dynamics.

What will be a key focus for ASEAN countries in relation to U.S. engagement?

ASEAN countries will focus on whether the U.S. is genuinely committed to long-term engagement in Southeast Asia, particularly in areas like trade, investment, and technology, beyond just focusing on competition with China.

Why is the U.S. presence at these summits important for ASEAN nations?

ASEAN nations view U.S. presence as crucial for balancing China’s influence in the region. They seek assurances that U.S. engagement is not only about security but also includes economic cooperation and support for regional development.

What kind of diplomatic tone is expected at the summits given the current geopolitical tensions?

The summits are expected to have a tense diplomatic tone due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially between China and the U.S. Leaders will have to navigate these tensions while addressing regional priorities.