Sixth East Asia Summit
Host countryIndonesia
DateNovember 18–19, 2011
CitiesBali
ParticipantsEAS members
FollowsFifth East Asia Summit
PrecedesSeventh East Asia Summit

The Sixth East Asia Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia on November 18–19, 2011. The East Asia Summit is a nominally annual meeting of national leaders from the East Asian region and adjoining countries.

Attending delegations

The heads of state and heads of government of the eighteen countries participated in the summit:

Agenda

US refocus

US President Obama made his inaugural visit to the Sixth East Asia Summit underlining the United States returned focus on the Asia Pacific region despite congressional budgetary constraints and cutbacks.[1][2][3] This included expanded military presence in northern Australia which has neighbouring countries like Indonesia and China wary.[3] Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will make the first official US trip to Myanmar (Burma) in more than 50 years.[1][3]

US military training in northern Australia

Australian Prime Minister Gillard held discussions with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono about United States military training hub in Darwin was not targeted any particular country and was there to help with disaster recovery and strengthen longstanding defence ties with the United States through ANZUS which is over 60 years old.[4] President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also relayed to Australian Prime Minister Gillard, the defence exercises should involve ASEAN countries and also China to reduce tension and build trust.[4]

The Australian Prime Minister has also held talks with Chinese Premier Wen to reduce concerns about the defence arrangement.[5] She reiterated Australia always will have an ally in Washington and a friend in Beijing.[5]

Regional maritime dispute

The United States has stated it supported multilateral talks on a regional basis to ensure disputes in the South China Sea is resolved peacefully even though it is not a party to any territorial dispute and claims to be not taking any sides.[6][7] China reinforced its view the maritime dispute should be resolved bilaterally with all the countries involved rather than involving external forces which they see as interference and added layer of complexity.[6][7] China sees the United States bringing the territorial dispute in the summit as a containment policy to counter China's growing economic and political influence within the region.[2] China has continued to emphasize its peaceful rise and endeavors to work with neighbouring countries to reach agreements on maritime disputes.[2][7]

The concerns of smaller countries about the growing influence of its northern neighbour has allowed the United States to become more involved in the region and coincide with some of their interests to counterbalance China.[8] This also has the effect of countries having stronger individual voices to negotiate with China.[8]

Myanmar

President Obama has said he is dispatching Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Myanmar in the next few weeks to engage in dialogue about better ties with the United States.[9] The Burmese government is civilian run since March 2011. The United States stressed China was advised of the visit and not replacing Myanmar's strong ties with China.[9] They also stated China would want to see a stable Myanmar adjacent to its border and reduce risk such as political instability and refugees.[9] China is a longstanding supporter of resource rich Myanmar and has provided financial and investment support.[9] The Burmese government has reacted they will continue on the path of opening up through relaxing political restrictions and releasing political prisoners.[10]

Myanmar has been chosen as host of the ASEAN summit to be held in 2014 despite concerns from human rights groups the reforms are not enough.[11][12] Other countries have stated granting the chairing of the ASEAN conference will encourage the Myanmar civilian government to continue the pace of change in the country which has been economically and politically isolated by embargo and restrictions.[12]

Outcome

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev did not attend and was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also did not attend and was represented by Foreign Minister Murray McCully. The other members' leaders attended.

References

  1. 1 2 Damian Grammaticas, Beijing correspondent (21 November 2011). "Obama's victory over China?".
  2. 1 2 3 Bloomberg (2011-11-22). "China plays down sea spats after Obama challenge at summit". Taiwan News, Newspaper.
  3. 1 2 3 English.news.cn (2011-11-22). "Tension grows as US "Back in Asia". xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 2011-12-31.
  4. 1 2 Tom Allard, Bali (November 21, 2011). "Invite China's army: Jakarta".
  5. 1 2 AAP (November 19, 2011). "Gillard keen to reassure China on US presence". smh.com.au.
  6. 1 2 Peter Hartcher (November 22, 2011). "Asia finds voice in test of wills with China". smh.com.au.
  7. 1 2 3 JACKIE CALMES (November 19, 2011). "Obama and Asian Leaders Confront China's Premier". nytimes.com.
  8. 1 2 John Lee (November 22, 2011). "Asia yearns for Uncle Sam". The Australian.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Erica Werner; Ben Feller (November 18, 2011). "Obama sending Clinton to repressive Myanmar". businessweek.com. The Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015.
  10. ↑ Jason Szep (Nov 20, 2011). "Emboldened by Obama, Myanmar maps out reforms". Reuters.com.
  11. ↑ ROBIN McDOWELL (18 Nov 2011). "Military-dominated Myanmar to chair ASEAN in 2014". Associated Press.
  12. 1 2 Daniel Ten Kate (Nov 17, 2011). "Myanmar to Host Asean in '14 as Sein Moves Away From Military Dictatorship".
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