Despite US pressures, no condemnation of Russia at US-ASEAN summit

 

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 There are countries with leaders who have vertebrae. Beyond Asia though.
Despite U.S. President Joe Biden’s "calls" for Southeast Asian nations to take a tougher stance on the war in Ukraine, a special U.S.-ASEAN summit ended Friday without condemning Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, a sign of geopolitical complexities in the region as the America is seeking to expand the coalition against Moscow beyond Europe.

“In relation to Ukraine, as in relation to all nations, we continue to reaffirm our respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity,” the summit communique reads, followed by calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and respect for the UN Charter and international law. .

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has avoided public criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. ASEAN operates by consensus and views on Ukraine vary within the bloc, including countries with deep economic and military ties to Moscow such as Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos, as well as Singapore, the only one in the group that has sanctioned Russia.

Others, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, are seeking neutrality.
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***  US announces will provide the region with $150 million, which includes $60 million for maritime security(VOA)