Critics highlight Biden's absence at East Asia Summit undermines US diplomatic presence
February 26, 2025 | Foreign Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on February 26, 2025, to evaluate the missed milestones and unseized opportunities in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region over the past four years, particularly under President Biden's administration. A significant point of discussion was the absence of President Biden at the East Asia Summit, which many committee members criticized as detrimental to U.S. relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Committee members emphasized that the U.S. relationship with ASEAN is vital for the region's economic, political, and defensive prosperity. They argued that the President's participation in such diplomatic channels is crucial for maintaining a constructive and visible U.S. presence in Asia. The discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships like the AUKUS alliance and the Quad Organization, which have bolstered security in the Indo-Pacific.
However, concerns were raised about the U.S. focus on defensive measures, which some believe has alienated potential allies. The committee pointed out that the East Asia Summit and other ASEAN-sponsored discussions present valuable opportunities for the U.S. to engage on critical issues such as healthcare, trade, disaster response, and energy cooperation. The absence of U.S. participation, coupled with a vocal anti-China stance, was described as a missed opportunity that could have lasting implications.
Members of the committee urged that, unlike the previous administration, President Biden should approach ASEAN with the same enthusiasm as defense partnerships. They noted that the U.S. must not emulate adversaries like China or Russia but instead strive to be a reliable ally in the region. Recent diplomatic achievements, such as the U.S. Alliance for International Development and disaster response initiatives, were acknowledged, but the committee stressed that ongoing commitment is essential for strengthening these relationships.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for the U.S. to enhance its diplomatic efforts in the Indo-Pacific, asserting itself as a preferred partner and demonstrating a commitment to long-term alliances in the region.
Committee members emphasized that the U.S. relationship with ASEAN is vital for the region's economic, political, and defensive prosperity. They argued that the President's participation in such diplomatic channels is crucial for maintaining a constructive and visible U.S. presence in Asia. The discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships like the AUKUS alliance and the Quad Organization, which have bolstered security in the Indo-Pacific.
However, concerns were raised about the U.S. focus on defensive measures, which some believe has alienated potential allies. The committee pointed out that the East Asia Summit and other ASEAN-sponsored discussions present valuable opportunities for the U.S. to engage on critical issues such as healthcare, trade, disaster response, and energy cooperation. The absence of U.S. participation, coupled with a vocal anti-China stance, was described as a missed opportunity that could have lasting implications.
Members of the committee urged that, unlike the previous administration, President Biden should approach ASEAN with the same enthusiasm as defense partnerships. They noted that the U.S. must not emulate adversaries like China or Russia but instead strive to be a reliable ally in the region. Recent diplomatic achievements, such as the U.S. Alliance for International Development and disaster response initiatives, were acknowledged, but the committee stressed that ongoing commitment is essential for strengthening these relationships.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for the U.S. to enhance its diplomatic efforts in the Indo-Pacific, asserting itself as a preferred partner and demonstrating a commitment to long-term alliances in the region.
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