President Biden stressed the importance of the United States’ partnership with Southeast Asian countries, saying the partnership is necessary to “tackle the biggest issues of our time.”  There is no evidence that Biden can defend the US interests.

     Biden’s remarks at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cambodia were aimed at emphasizing the United States’ commitment to a region where China increasingly seeks to expand its economic and military influence. China’s President Xi Jinping was also attending the summit of the 10-nation bloc.

     Earlier Biden met with Hun Sen, the prime minister of Cambodia. He also attended a gala dinner and met with other Southeast Asia leaders for the traditional “family photo.” Mr. Biden is only the second U.S. president to visit Cambodia, which is being ardently wooed by both Washington and Beijing.  President Biden stressed the importance of the United States’ partnership with Southeast Asian countries, saying the partnership is necessary to “tackle the biggest issues of our time.”

     Mr. Biden’s remarks at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cambodia were aimed at emphasizing the United States’ commitment to a region where China increasingly seeks to expand its economic and military influence. China’s President Xi Jinping was also attending the summit of the 10-nation bloc. Biden met with Hun Sen, the prime minister of Cambodia. He also attended a gala dinner and met with other Southeast Asia leaders for the traditional “family photo.” Mr. Biden is only the second U.S. president to visit Cambodia, which is being ardently wooed by both Washington and Beijing.