Topic: Association of Southeast Asian Nations

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War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.

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China, neighbors set up hotlines over island disputes

However, Beijing has rejected US advice to sign a code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Once a divisive pariah, Myanmar could aid Southeast Asian unity

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations once disagreed with the West over Myanmar sanctions. Now the opening of the country's economy could help ASEAN attain a big prize.
Global News Blog Singapore to Indonesia: Stop sending us your smog.

Air pollution in Singapore rose to unhealthy levels this week because of illegal forest clearing in Indonesia, prompting Singapore to urge Indonesia to do something to end the haze.
Singapore haze hits seven-year high

Singapore haze caused by illegal forest-clearing in Indonesia. Because of Singapore haze, officials urge residents to avoid prolonged activities outdoors.
Japan will join Asia-Pacific free trade talks

Member countries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will allow Japan to join talks on a US-led Asia Pacific free trade agreement. The pact would cover nearly 40 percent of global economic output.
Singapore urges Obama to take stronger stand in Asia

In Washington, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says that the US must strengthen its economic ties in Asia to maintain a leadership role and balance the rise of China.
Focus US 'pivot to Asia': Is John Kerry retooling it?

A focus of American resources on Asia was a major priority when Hillary Rodham Clinton was secretary of State. But it is unclear if John Kerry will follow her approach exactly, many regional analysts say.
China's passport propaganda baffles experts

China is issuing passports with a map of the disputed South China Sea labeled as part of China.
What happened while Obama was in Asia? (+video)

President Obama's whirlwind Asia trip saw some surface compromise on disputed territorial issues, and the set up of a new Asian trade bloc.
Obama visit to Cambodia overshadowed by row over South China Sea

Disputes at the summit illustrate the difficulty of forging a Southeast Asian consensus over dealing with an increasingly assertive China.
Obama's Myanmar speech sends message to North Korea (+video)

Barack Obama on Monday became the first US president to visit Myanmar, showing other Asian nations – such as North Korea – that America is willing to reach out to help reforms.
Latin America Monitor Four messages Obama is sending Latin America from his trip through Asia

Obama may be sending an unintentional message that the US holds Asian countries like Myanmar and China to a lower standard on democracy and human rights.
What Obama will accomplish with a visit to Myanmar

With the Myanmar visit, President Obama will showcase one of his foreign-policy accomplishments and will underscore a US commitment to supporting Asia’s political and economic development.
War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
Obama to visit Myanmar: White House confirms Asia trip details (+video)

President Obama, newly re-elected, will visit Southeast Asia this month. His itinerary will include stops in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar. His visit to Myanmar will be viewed as an endorsement of that country's recent transformation.
The Monitor's View Look outward, Obama

The president’s domestic agenda may consist of making compromises with Republicans. But overseas he is freer to act. And there’s much that needs his attention.
Terrorism & Security Myanmar unrest threatens to destabilize democracy and region

A week of clashes in western Myanmar has left at least 84 people dead and forced some 22,000 into crowded camps along the coast, putting pressure on the government.
Energy Voices Tensions mount in South China Sea. Here's how to ease them.

Escalating international dispute over South China Sea islands involves an oil bonanza of unknown proportions. Here are steps China, Japan, the US, ASEAN, and others can take to neutralize regional competition over energy.
US Agent Orange cleanup in Vietnam indicative of stronger ties

The joint, $43 million project also comes as the US is looking to increase its presence in the Asia Pacific region.
South China Sea meeting ends in stalemate

The stakes have risen in the South China Sea as the US military shifts its attention back to Asia, emboldening the Philippines and Vietnam to take tougher stance against Beijing.
Myanmar open for US business, but is it a safe bet?

Analysts are warning US businesses to 'do their homework' on the crony-linked businesses and rights abuses that allegedly comprise Myanmar's resource industry.
Global News Blog Why won't China sign the South China Sea code of conduct? (+video)

China dodged signing a code of conduct this week at the East Asia Summit, a regional security meeting.
East Timor's second major transition since independence

East Timor held peaceful elections this weekend, and is set to form a coalition government that helps transform one of the poorest Asian countries to a middle-income country by 2030.
ASEAN: Can US open door to Asia trade by softening stance on China?

Following the lead of its ASEAN partners, the US has replaced tough talk about China with calls for cooperation. At stake is a share of the booming trade supplying a rising consumer class in Southeast Asia.
A decade after independence, East Timor's surprising best friend? Indonesia.

Ten years ago, East Timor was reeling from Indonesia's scorched-earth withdrawal after two-plus decades of occupation. Today it sees its huge neighbor as a crucial partner.