Those who have walked in the deep weeds of geopolitical strategy know the emphasis the Trump administration has placed on ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) as a counter-balance (control leverage) to the Chinese trade and military expansion.
The ongoing trade and security relationship between the U.S. and India, as well as other regional partners, is a large part of the overarching dynamic. The ASEAN Summit in Manilla Philippines is an opportunity for President Trump to expand the conversations; enter into deeper discussions surrounding the terms of partnership; and deepen commitments toward larger U.S. international objectives.
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The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region including India, comprises a combined population of 1.85 billion people, one-fourth of the global population. From the perspective of India – “Prime Minister Modi is likely to reassert India’s push to create a global approach to deal with terrorism. He will also pitch steps to boost regional trade. One of the more significant meetings will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump.”
President Trump is greeted by President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte at an #ASEAN 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration. #POTUSinAsia pic.twitter.com/Xf1jOyituk
— Department of State (@StateDept) November 12, 2017
President Trump joins a family photo with #ASEAN leaders at a gala celebration in honor of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN. #POTUSinAsia pic.twitter.com/bIsuQJiYOe
— Department of State (@StateDept) November 12, 2017