http://www.voacambodia.com/archive/southeastasia/latest/2893/2893.html The latest news and feature stories from Southeast Asia. http://www.voanews.com/img/voa/rssLogo_VOA.gif http://www.voacambodia.com/archive/southeastasia/latest/2893/2893.html en 2012 - VOA 60 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 03:45:23 +0700 Pangea CMS – VOA As President Barack Obama wrapped up his final trip to Asia while in office, he reflected Thursday on his long ties to a region that he has made a central focus of U.S. foreign policy. In a final news conference before departing Laos, he said that he was proud to be the first U.S. president to meet with the leaders of all 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries, and that he hoped his successor would continue to make the region a priority. “My hope and expectation ... is that my successor will, in fact, sustain this kind of engagement, because there is a lot happening here," he said. "You’ve got countries here that are taking off.  You’ve got one of the most dynamic and youngest populations in the world. This is where the action is going to be when it comes to commerce and trade, and ultimately creating U.S. jobs by being able to sell to this market.” Bumpy begininng Obama’s final Asia trip ended on a positive note after getting off to a rough start. There was his botched arrival in China, where the president had to disembark from Air Force One on a shorter staircase from the belly of the plane when the Chinese failed to provide the customary metal staircase. North Korea tested a nuclear missile during the visit, as if to highlight one of the big failures of U.S. and international nonproliferation efforts. Also, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte uttered an insult about Obama, prompting him to cancel their sit-down meeting. The two did speak briefly on the sidelines of the summit, after Duterte and his foreign minister expressed regret.   These awkward and tense moments prompted critics, including Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, to say that foreign leaders were showing disrespect to the “lame duck” U.S. president, who only has five months left in office. 'Flap' dismissed Asia expert and Brookings Institution senior fellow Jonathan Pollack told VOA he fundamentally disagreed: “The whole flap over the airplane stairs, this is one of the classic snafus, a glitch that could and should be avoided by the staffs of both leaders. There is a long record of similar glitches in the U.S.-China relationship.” Pollack told VOA the long, substantive, face-to-face meeting between Chinese President Xi Jingping and Obama was much more important than any staircase drama, which he said the media had exaggerated. Pollack said Philippine foreign ministry officials sincerely apologized for their president’s vulgar remark, because the last thing they want to do is to undermine that country’s relationship with the United States. He praised Obama for the way he handled the insult. Obama struck a wistful tone at the news conference, saying he realized this was his last trip to Asia as president and remembering the years he spent in Indonesia as a child. “When I think back to the time that I spent here as a boy, I can’t help but be struck by the extraordinary progress that’s been made across so much of the region in the decades since — even as there’s still a lot of work to be done," he said. "And so it means a great deal to me, not only as president, but also personally, that over the past eight years we’ve increased cooperation between ASEAN countries and the United States.” Paris climate accord Pollack said Obama’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region was political, economic and highly personal, and pointed to the ratification of the Paris accord on climate change as the most significant accomplishment.   Pollack said the fate of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement the president passionately supports, rests in the hands of Congress, which has vowed not to even take it up until after the next president has been inaugurated. He said the president’s Asia-Pacific rebalance ambitions were incomplete, but added that true success is often measured in the tough work of “keeping at it” instead of flashy breakthroughs. But Matthew Goodman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, told VOA he thought Obama’s legacy in Asia hinged on whether Congress ratified the TPP agreement: “The economic part of the pivot is essential to the overall strategy and so if we can’t get TPP ratified by Congress, that is going to undermine the view of his overall legacy in the region in the political, military and social sides as well." VOA's Ron Corben contributed to this report from Bangkok. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-highlights-strong-commitment-asia-rebalance/3500136.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-highlights-strong-commitment-asia-rebalance/3500136.html Fri, 09 Sep 2016 19:34:20 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (William Ide, VOA News) President Barack Obama said Thursday he made it clear to Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Laos that the United States will continue to stand with the people of the region. He has made re-balancing U.S. policy with a focus toward Southeast Asia a priority during his presidency, which ends in January.  Obama said his hope and expectation is that his successor continues that effort. "This is where the action's going to be when it comes to commerce and trade, and ultimately creating U.S. jobs by being able to sell to this market," Obama told reporters after a meeting of leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He said the group recognized the importance of a July international arbitration ruling dismissing China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, and the importance for those claiming parts of the disputed region to not militarize those areas or occupy uninhabited islands. "I reiterated that the United States will stand with allies and partners in upholding fundamental interests, among them the freedom of navigation and overflight, lawful commerce that is not impeded, and peaceful resolution of disputes," Obama said. North Korea Regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons program, the U.S. president said his policy has been not to reward bad behavior. "It's not as if we are looking for a problem or avoiding a willingness to engage diplomatically, but diplomacy requires that Pyongyang meet its international obligations." He pledged to continue pressuring the North Korean government while also putting in place defensive measures to ensure the U.S. and its allies are protected. Another of his administration's goals was to close the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Nearly 800 people have been held there since 2002, but about 60 detainees remain.  Obama said he is not ready to concede that some will still be there when he leaves office. "I continue to believe that Guantanamo is a recruitment tool for terrorist organizations, that it clouds and sours some of the counterterrorism cooperation that we need to engage in, and it's not necessary and it's hugely expensive for U.S. taxpayers."   Deeper US cooperation Obama's meeting with ASEAN leaders was the eighth of his presidency.  He has visited the region more than any of his predecessors. He said earlier Thursday his repeat visits reflect Asia's growing importance. Obama said the U.S. will deepen economic cooperation with nations in Asia, including promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.  And he reiterated, as he has multiple times during his visit this week, that he will push for Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. A White House statement on U.S.-ASEAN initiatives highlighted initiatives to promote low-carbon growth, support sustainable fisheries, increase the supply of renewable energy, and promote opportunities for women including protecting rights, holding seminars for young leaders and awarding a prize for women in science. "We'll continue to partner to strengthen global health security and fight epidemics," Obama said.  "We will continue to make progress on people-to-people ties, scientific exchanges and making sure that we are are increasing continually the opportunities for our businesses, our students, our scientists, our people to work together." http://www.voacambodia.com/a/southeast-asia-summit-leaders-express-concern-about-south-china-sea/3498637.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/southeast-asia-summit-leaders-express-concern-about-south-china-sea/3498637.html Thu, 08 Sep 2016 19:21:43 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Mary Alice Salinas, VOA News) U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday told a group of young people gathered in Laos from across Southeast Asia that it is not enough to dream about their plans for the future, but that they have to "actually do the work." In an upbeat town hall event with people involved in the U.S.-sponsored Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, Obama said young people have historically been the key to progress and development.  He stressed the need for countries to improve education standards and to make sure those gains include girls and not just boys. "You should never be discouraged, because you have more opportunity today to make a difference in the world than any generation before," he said.  "And my hope is you seize that opportunity." In response to questions from the audience, Obama said he hopes the next U.S. leader will continue his increased engagement with the Asia Pacific region and that he believes Congress will pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. He also touted the benefits of interacting with people of different cultures as a way to continually learn, and highlighted the need to respect people who have different beliefs and backgrounds. "I think that over the long term the only way that humans are going to be able to work together and interact and prosper and deal with big problems is if we are able to see what we have in common with each other and treat each other with dignity and respect," Obama said. The president told the audience he plans to continue working with young people after he leaves office in January. Obama is in Laos to meet with ASEAN leaders and give reassurances that the U.S. strategic rebalance toward Asia is a long term strategy. Earlier Wednesday, Obama said the United States has a "profound moral and humanitarian obligation" to support efforts to clear bombs its forces dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War.   ​Eighty million cluster munitions did not explode, instead settling on farmland and around villages, only to later kill or injure 20,000 people.   Obama spoke of that legacy as he visited a center in Vientiane called the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise that offers treatment for survivors. "Here in Laos, here at COPE, we see the victims of bombs that were dropped because of decisions made half a century ago and we are reminded that wars always carry tremendous costs, many of them unintended," he said. Obama stressed that wars impact countless people beyond the famous who appear in history books. "Above all, acknowledging the history of war and how it's experienced concretely by ordinary people is a way that we make future wars less likely." His comments came a day after announcing a doubling of U.S. funding over the next three years to help the survivors and bomb-clearing efforts. The funding is part of what the White House called a new era in relations based on "a shared desire to heal the wounds of the past" and build a foundation for the future.  The U.S. and Laos are also partnering on issues including the economy, technology, education, security, the environment and human rights. Obama is the first sitting U.S. president to go to Laos.  The visit marks his eleventh and final trip to Asia as U.S. president. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-young-people-have-opportunity-but-must-do-the-work/3497020.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-young-people-have-opportunity-but-must-do-the-work/3497020.html Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:20:56 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Mary Alice Salinas, VOA News) Myanmar's new civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, will visit the U.S. next week as Washington considers lifting or easing more of the sanctions against the Southeast Asian nation. President Barack Obama announced the visit during a speech in Laos Tuesday, saying the Nobel Laureate will be in Washington on September 14 and 15. Aung San Suu Kyi's visit to Washington is intended to reinforce her status on the global stage as the de-facto leader of the government. Although she won decisively in last November's elections, Aung San Suu Kyi is banned from the presidency by the constitution drafted by the former junta. She instead serves as foreign minister and has created a new position of state counselor. Obama is expected to determine the extent of sanctions relief after consulting with Aung San Suu Kyi about how far she wants Washington to ease pressure on Myanmar's powerful military. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate and symbol of democracy helped convince the U.S. to impose sanctions on the military-led government during her years as a jailed opposition leader. She is now attempting to show her country the economic rewards of a democratic transition while maintaining pressure on the country's military leaders for additional reforms. Some rights groups like Human Rights Watch are opposed to easing sanctions against Myanmar until there is evidence the democratic transition is irreversible. The U.S. wants to strengthen relations with Myanmar to help counteract China's increasing influence in Asia. Washington also wants to help U.S. businesses position themselves in one of the world's last "frontier markets," which are rapidly growing but less developed emerging economies.     http://www.voacambodia.com/a/myanmar-leader-aung-san-suu-kyi-to-visit-us-next-week/3497018.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/myanmar-leader-aung-san-suu-kyi-to-visit-us-next-week/3497018.html Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:18:35 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Mary Alice Salinas, VOA News) President Barack Obama said Wednesday the United States has a "profound moral and humanitarian obligation" to support efforts to clear bombs its forces dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War. Eighty million cluster munitions did not explode, instead settling on farmland and around villages, only to later kill or injure 20,000 people. Obama spoke of that legacy as he visited a center in Vientiane called the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise that offers treatment for survivors. "Here in Laos, here at COPE, we see the victims of bombs that were dropped because of decisions made half a century ago and we are reminded that wars always carry tremendous costs, many of them unintended," he said. Obama stressed that wars impact countless people beyond the famous who appear in history books. "Above all, acknowledging the history of war and how it's experienced concretely by ordinary people is a way that we make future wars less likely." His comments came a day after announcing a doubling of U.S. funding over the next three years to help the survivors and bomb-clearing efforts. Obama was also due to hold a town hall meeting later Wednesday with young people involved in a U.S.-sponsored leadership program. Tuesday he reassured nations in the Asia Pacific region that the U.S. strategic rebalance “will endure for the long-term” because it “reflects fundamental national interests.” In a speech in Vientiane, Laos, Obama said there is widespread recognition in the U.S. that the Asia Pacific region “will become even more important in the century ahead, both to America and to the world.” The president addressed an estimated 1,000 people in Lao National Cultural Hall, one day after making history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country.   Against a backdrop of flags representing the U.S., Laos and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Obama spoke to a group that included government officials, Lao and U.S. business leaders, students, civil society leaders and women’s groups.   Obama’s has said engaging in the Asia-Pacific is critical to America’s future prosperity and security. The White House strategy has also aimed to serve as a counterweight to China’s rising influence and power in the region.   With fewer than five months left in office, Obama said the U.S. is more deeply engaged in the Asia-Pacific than it has been in decades.   “Our position is stronger and sends a clear message that as a Pacific nation we’re here to stay,” he said. “In good times and bad, you can count on the United States of America.” TPP However, the president also acknowledged the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)—the economic “pillar” of his re-balance strategy—is in trouble at home.   The massive trade deal, signed by 12 Pacific rim nations, must be ratified by the U.S. Congress.   In this presidential election year, many Americans blame such trade pacts for lost jobs and both major party candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, have spoken out against it.   “As difficult as the politics are back home, I will continue to push hard on the U.S. Congress to approve TPP before I leave office,” vowed Obama. “Failure to move ahead with TPP will not just have economic consequences, but will call into question America’s leadership in this vital region.” Assistance for Laos Earlier Tuesday, Obama held talks with Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachit in the presidential palace.   Following the meeting, the White House announced a three-year, $90 million contribution to Laos for a national survey of unexploded ordnance and efforts to clear the bombs dropped by U.S. forces in the 1960s and 1970s.   About one-third of the 2.2 million bombs dropped on Laos remain undetonated and the lingering threat has slowed development in the country.   "Given our history here, I believe the United States has a moral obligation to help Laos heal," said Obama.   The White House said the two countries launched a new era in relations based on "a shared desire to heal the wounds of the past" and build a foundation for the future.   It included partnership on issues including the economy, technology, education, security, the environment and human rights.   Laos, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has been criticized for its human rights record. Obama and Vorachit noted in their meeting Tuesday "the benefits of a candid and open dialogue" to narrow differences on rights.   The White House said the new ties continue the president’s policy of reaching out to countries with whom the U.S. has had major differences and complicated histories.   It also reflects Obama’s efforts to more deeply engage nations in a region close to China, although the Obama administration has repeatedly said it welcomes a rising China that is peaceful, prosperous and responsible in global affairs.   Thitinan Pongsudhirak, political scientist at Thailand’s Chualongkorn University, said while the U.S. seeks to boost its influence, Laos is “firmly in China’s orbit”.   “The U.S. and China rivalry, competition for influence and interests in Southeast Asia, comprising maritime and mainland. The mainland is China’s backyard so it’s really China’s orbit within the mainland. But the mainland countries—Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand—they are firmly in China’s orbit because China is the giant next door, especially for Laos,” he said.   Thitinan said Laos was still seeking to maintain a degree of autonomy despite China’s influence, even though it is “susceptible to neighborhood influence and interference”. North Korea missile tests Also Tuesday, Obama met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye.   The leaders discussed North Korea’s missile tests on Monday. Pyongyang fired three ballistic missiles from the western part of North Korea into the Sea of Japan.   Park called the tests “fundamentally threatening” and said the leaders agreed to "respond resolutely" to any provocation and close “loop holes” in sanctions.   Obama called the launches “provocative.” He also said the THAAD, the U.S. anti-missile system soon to be deployed to South Korea, is purely a defensive system.   Later this week, Southeast Asian nations will meet in Vientiane for the ASEAN and East Asia summits to discuss a range of issues, including the North Korea nuclear threat, China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, counter-terrorism, trade and other issues.   The visit marks President Obama’s eleventh and final trip to Asia as U.S. president. Ron Corben contributed to this report from Bangkok. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-us-interest-in-asia-pacific-reflects-fundamental-national-interests/3497014.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-us-interest-in-asia-pacific-reflects-fundamental-national-interests/3497014.html Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:13:40 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Mary Alice Salinas, VOA News) This week leaders from Southeast Asia, the United States and China are meeting in Laos for the first time since July landmark ruling by a U.N.-backed tribunal rejected China's vast claims to most of the South China Sea. Addressing the maritime dispute is among ASEAN's most important issues, however this year there is little expectation that the Summit's concluding joint statement will even mention the tribunal's ruling. Ben Rhodes, deputy National Security Council adviser to President Barack Obama, tells VOA that although he hasn't seen the draft statement yet the U.S. doesn't expect the ruling to be part of it. "What we have been focused on is not the ruling, given the diversity of views on that topic. We have been focused on the principles that were in Sunnylands," he said, referring to the U.S.-ASEAN Summit at Sunnylands, an estate in California, which took place in February. "We think those are important issues that need to be a part of the agenda both in ASEAN meetings and on East Asia summit." At the February meeting, Obama called for "tangible steps" to lower tensions over ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea and said regional leaders had affirmed that disagreements should be resolved peacefully, through legal means. China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia all lay claim to parts of the disputed region. Many have hoped that ASEAN can provide a framework for resolving the disputes, however the group has been unable to bring the parties together, in part because China insists on negotiating one-on-one instead of through multilateral settings. In July, the U.N. arbitration court dismissed China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, saying it has "no historic title" to the vast maritime region. The ruling by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration answers a complaint brought by the Philippines in 2013 that accused Beijing of violating the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with its aggressive actions on the Scarborough Shoal, a reef located about 225 kilometers off the Philippine coast. Rhodes said that the ruling is not what the U.S. has been focusing on, and that there are other important issues that need to be a part of the agenda of the ASEAN and East Asia Summit meetings. The White House official also said the U.S. will make its own statement, and that it has encouraged other countries to do the same. Reactions to ruling "On the arbitration ruling, we have been encouraging individual countries to make statements in support of the ruling. But again, given the diverse views in the EAS, we didn't have an expectation. But we will make our own statements and we've encouraged other countries to make statements in support of the ruling," he said. The United States has repeatedly emphasized the legally binding nature of the ruling on the disputed maritime region and has urged urged China, which is a signatory to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, to abide by it. Beijing has rejected the ruling. "China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea" will not be affected, Chinese President XI Jinping said shortly after the decision was handed down. This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Mandarin Service. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/at-asean-summit-no-comment-expected-on-south-china-sea-unclos-ruling/3496090.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/at-asean-summit-no-comment-expected-on-south-china-sea-unclos-ruling/3496090.html Wed, 07 Sep 2016 01:42:12 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Li Ya, VOA News) During his landmark visit to Laos, U.S. President Barack Obama has the challenging duty to address the damage the southeast Asian country has suffered since the time of the Vietnam War. VOA Khmer's Seourn Vathana narrates. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/3496063.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/3496063.html Wed, 07 Sep 2016 01:29:00 +0700 Southeast AsiaWashington Todayhttp://www.voacambodia.com/a/3496063.html#relatedInfoContainer Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed regret Tuesday that a comment he made involving vulgar language came across as a personal attack against U.S. President Barack Obama. "Our primary intention is to chart an independent foreign policy while promoting closer ties with all nations, especially the U.S., with which we have a long standing partnership," he said in a statement. Don't lecture me Before departing Monday for a regional summit in Laos, Duterte warned Obama not to lecture him about a crackdown on drug traffickers that has resulted in more than 2,000 killings since he took office in June. "You must be respectful.  Do not just throw questions," Duterte said.  Using the Tagalog phrase for "son of a b****," he then said: "Putang ina, I will swear at you in the forum." Obama initially shrugged off Duterte's comments, telling reporters, "Clearly, he's a colorful guy."  But the White House later said Obama had canceled a planned meeting with Duterte and would instead hold talks with South Korea's leader. The statement from Duterte expressed regrets that his comments had caused "much controversy" and said that he looked forward to "ironing out differences." Use of profanity not unusual Duterte's use of profanity is a pattern of speech he often uses when irked, Asian Foundation analyst Steven Rood in Manila told VOA's Victor Beattie.  He used similar language to describe Pope Francis's visit to the Philippines in 2015. "He and his followers regard that as a normal pattern of speech, but of course when President Obama wonders whether or not a meeting with him would be productive, that pattern of speech might cause some doubts," Rood said. Though the "spat" certainly does not help U.S.-Philippine relations, the two countries have robust military relations as well as a USAID program, so Rood says there are many reasons for the relationship to go forward. Duterte, who campaigned for the Philippine presidency on promises to end illegal drug activity in his homeland, has alarmed an array of human rights organizations with his deadly crackdown. He has defended the killings, saying he is following the will of those who elected him. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/philippine-president-expresses-regret-for-vulgar-comment-about-obama/3495467.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/philippine-president-expresses-regret-for-vulgar-comment-about-obama/3495467.html Tue, 06 Sep 2016 19:57:17 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (VOA News) President Barack Obama has reassured nations in the Asia-Pacific that the U.S. strategic re-balance to the region “will endure for the long-term” because it “reflects fundamental national interests.”   In a speech in Vientiane, Laos on Tuesday, Obama said there is widespread recognition in the U.S. that the Asia Pacific region “will become even more important in the century ahead, both to America and to the world.”   The president addressed an estimated 1,000 people in Lao National Cultural Hall, one day after making history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country.   Against a backdrop of flags representing the U.S., Laos and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Obama spoke to a group that included government officials, Lao and U.S. business leaders, students, civil society leaders and women’s groups.   Obama’s has said engaging in the Asia-Pacific is critical to America’s future prosperity and security.  The White House strategy has also aimed to serve as a counterweight to China’s rising influence and power in the region.   With fewer than five months left in office, Obama said the U.S. is more deeply engaged in the Asia-Pacific than it has been in decades.   “Our position is stronger and sends a clear message that as a Pacific nation we’re here to stay,” he said. “In good times and bad, you can count on the United States of America.” TPP However, the president also acknowledged the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - the economic “pillar” of his re-balance strategy – is in trouble at home.   The massive trade deal, signed by 12 Pacific rim nations, must be ratified by the U.S. Congress.   In this presidential election year, many Americans blame such trade pacts for lost jobs and both major party candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, have spoken out against it.   “As difficult as the politics are back home, I will continue to push hard on the U.S. Congress to approve TPP before I leave office,” vowed Obama.  “Failure to move ahead with TPP will not just have economic consequences, but will call into question America’s leadership in this vital region.” Assistance for Laos Earlier Tuesday, Obama held talks with Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachit in the presidential palace.   Following the meeting, the White House announced a three-year, $90 million contribution to Laos for a national survey of unexploded ordnance and efforts to clear the bombs dropped by U.S. forces in the 1960s and 1970s.   About one-third of the 2.2 million bombs dropped on Laos remain undetonated and the lingering threat has slowed development in the country.   "Given our history here, I believe the United States has a moral obligation to help Laos heal," said Obama.   The White House said the two countries launched a new era in relations based on "a shared desire to heal the wounds of the past" and build a foundation for the future.   It included partnership on issues including the economy, technology, education, security, the environment and human rights.   Laos, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has been criticized for its human rights record.  Obama and Vorachit noted in their meeting Tuesday "the benefits of a candid and open dialogue" to narrow differences on rights.   The White House said the new ties continue the president’s policy of reaching out to countries with whom the U.S. has had major differences and complicated histories.   It also reflects Obama’s efforts to more deeply engage nations in a region close to China, although the Obama administration has repeatedly said it welcomes a rising China that is peaceful, prosperous and responsible in global affairs.   Thitinan Pongsudhirak, political scientist at Thailand’s Chualongkorn University, said while the U.S. seeks to boost its influence, Laos is “firmly in China’s orbit”.   “The U.S. and China rivalry, competition for influence and interests in Southeast Asia, comprising maritime and mainland. The mainland is China’s backyard so it’s really China’s orbit within the mainland. But the mainland countries – Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand – they are firmly in China’s orbit because China is the giant next door, especially for Laos,” he said.   Thitinan said Laos was still seeking to maintain a degree of autonomy despite China’s influence, even though it is “susceptible to neighborhood influence and interference”. North Korea missile tests Also Tuesday, Obama met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye.   The leaders discussed North Korea’s missile tests on Monday.  Pyongyang fired three ballistic missiles from the western part of North Korea into the Sea of Japan.   Park called the tests “fundamentally threatening” and said the leaders agreed to "respond resolutely" to any provocation and close “loop holes” in sanctions.   Obama called the launches “provocative.”  He also said the THAAD, the U.S. anti-missile system soon to be deployed to South Korea, is purely a defensive system.   Later this week, Southeast Asian nations will meet in Vientiane for the ASEAN and East Asia summits to discuss a range of issues, including the North Korea nuclear threat, China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, counter-terrorism, trade and other issues.   The visit marks President Obama’s eleventh and final trip to Asia as U.S. president. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-us-interest-in-asia-pacific-reflects-fundamental-national-interests/3495413.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-us-interest-in-asia-pacific-reflects-fundamental-national-interests/3495413.html Tue, 06 Sep 2016 19:07:07 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Mary Alice Salinas, VOA News) U.S. President Barack Obama's three-day visit to Laos this week shows how far the Southeast Asian country of nearly 7 million people has stepped out of the shadows of its influential neighbors, China and Vietnam. Since the days of French colonial Indochina, Laos has been politically and culturally influenced by Vietnam. By the time of the 1975 communist revolution, most Lao party officials had spent a substantial period of time in Vietnam and many even spoke fluent Vietnamese. However, Nguyen Ngoc Truong, a former Vietnamese senior diplomat who runs a foreign policy think tank, said Hanoi today considers Laos "a very important neighbor" — even if China's enormous development aid packages in Laos appear to give Beijing the upper hand. "It should not be stated that Laos has fallen into China's orbit," he said. "Vietnam is aware of Laos' situation, in which it is greatly influenced by Beijing, due to the Southeast Asian nation's huge receipt of China's aid." He said the "South China Sea issue is just one part of the relations and it does not impact the diverse and multifaceted ties between Laos and Vietnam." He referred to criticism that Laos — together with China-friendly Cambodia and Myanmar — has blocked ASEAN consensus on how to address Beijing's increasingly assertive posture in the territorially disputed maritime region. Laos, which is landlocked, has remained largely neutral on the matter. According to Chinese state media, Beijing's foreign direct investment in Laos exceeded $1 billion in 2015. Vietnam's comparatively small foreign direct investment in Laos, Truong said, can't counterbalance what he describes as Beijing's "economic invasion" of Laos. Ho Cam Gioi, of the Center for Southeast Asian studies in Ho Chi Minh City, said Vietnamese nationals are still interested in Laos and its language, but that the level is low. "Some want to learn Laotian language to travel to the country to study, to do business and to resettle there with their family," Gioi said. Prior to this week's summits, Laos and Vietnam held numerous high-level meetings in which, according to the Voice of Vietnam, "the special solidarity of Vietnam and Laos [proved] an invaluable asset." Past U.S. involvement In Laos, Obama will wrestle with the ghosts of past U.S. policies. In the 1960s and 1970s, the U.S. rained bombs on Lao villages and the countryside as America's war with Vietnam spilled across the border. The Lao government estimates that more than 2 million tons of ordnance were released during more than 500,000 missions — one bomb every eight minutes for nine years. An estimated 80 million cluster bombs did not explode, leaving tennis ball-sized "bombies" littering the impoverished countryside to wound and kill unsuspecting people. Obama planned to acknowledge this history and its damaging effect on Laos' development, tourism and agriculture. He is expected to announce additional aid to clean up unexploded ordnance, while the Lao government is expected to offer help in accounting for missing and dead U.S. service members. This article was produced in collaboration with VOA's Vietnamese Service. Some information is from AP.   http://www.voacambodia.com/a/landlocked-laos-struggles-between-china-vietnam/3495410.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/landlocked-laos-struggles-between-china-vietnam/3495410.html Tue, 06 Sep 2016 19:03:31 +0700 CambodiaSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Trung Nguyen, VOA Vietnamese) U.S. President Barack Obama is telling China it needs to adopt a more responsible role on the world stage and adhere to international norms. Before heading to the G-20 summit in China, Obama told CNN in an interview broadcast Sunday that Beijing needs to show restraint in its relations with smaller countries, especially as it deals with territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The American leader said that "with increasing power comes increasing responsibilities." Obama said the U.S. has urged China to accept international rules that build a strong world-wide order. South China Sea China, which is a signatory to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, recently lost an arbitration dispute at a court in the Hague over the South China Sea, but rejected the ruling. The court ruled China had violated Manila's sovereign rights by interfering with Philippine fishing and oil exploration activities in the area. "If you sign a treaty that calls for international arbitration around maritime issues, the fact that you're bigger than the Philippines or Vietnam or other countries... is not a reason for you to go around and flex your muscles," Obama said. "You've got to abide by international law." Obama said that where the U.S. has seen China "violating international rules and norms, as we have seen in some cases in the South China Sea or in some of their behavior when it comes to economic policy, we've been very firm. And we've indicated to them that there will be consequences." Trade issues He said China cannot expect to "pursue mercantilist policies that just advantage" itself now that China has become a more affluent, middle-income country. "Even though you still have a lot of poor people, you know, you can't just export problems. You've got to have fair trade and not just free trade. You have to open up your markets if you expect other people to open up their markets." Obama added, "Part of what I've tried to communicate to President Xi [Jinping] is that the United States arrives at its power, in part, by restraining itself. You know, when we bind ourselves to a bunch of international norms and rules it's not because we have to, it's because we recognize that over the long term, building a strong international order is in our interests." http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-china-needs-to-adopt-more-responsible-role-on-international-stage/3494298.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-china-needs-to-adopt-more-responsible-role-on-international-stage/3494298.html Mon, 05 Sep 2016 22:29:25 +0700 PoliticsUSAWorldSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Ken Bredemeier) Key Points of Obama's News Conference in China Some of his key comments: - G-20 nations have to work more together to keep the global economy growing. - If and when he meets with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Obama will bring up the issue of needing to approach fight against drug trafficking in a way that is "consistent with basic international norms." - Despite "productive" U.S.-Russia talks on a humanitarian cease-fire there is a "gap in trust," but both Obama and Putin told their top diplomats to keep working toward a deal in the coming days. - Until the Minsk agreement involving Russia and Ukraine is implemented, the U.S. will not lift sanctions it imposed on Russia because of its actions in Ukraine. - Putin and Obama discussed cybersecurity, but not specific active investigations into intrusions, and the goal for countries should not be to rush into an era of escalation in cyber attacks like the arms races that happened in other areas. - Before his visit to Laos, Obama said a lot can be done on "legacy issues" including unexploded ordnance that still remains in that country. - The U.S. has never had an uncontroversial path to a trade deal, but he plans to get the Trans-Pacific Partnership passed and believes it would be better for individuals and businesses than what exists now - San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick exercised his constitutional right to make a statement just like a long legacy of athletes, and while his method makes it tough for some people to hear his concerns, the player has generated conversation around those topics. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/key-points-of-obama-news-conference-in-china/3494277.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/key-points-of-obama-news-conference-in-china/3494277.html Mon, 05 Sep 2016 22:19:34 +0700 PoliticsUSAWorldSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Chris Hannas) President Barack Obama is seeking to reassure nations in Southeast Asia that the U.S. is firmly committed to its rebalance to the region during his historic trip to Vientiane, Laos this week. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-to-reassure-southeast-asia-of-us-commitment-to-rebalance/3494262.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/obama-to-reassure-southeast-asia-of-us-commitment-to-rebalance/3494262.html Mon, 05 Sep 2016 22:04:16 +0700 PoliticsUSASoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Mary Alice Salinas) President Barack Obama will face a broad range of pressing issues on his 11th trip as president to Asia, with the future of his strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific and his legacy in that region still uncertain. With less than five months in office, Obama will travel there for the last time as president, after working throughout his two four-year terms to bolster America’s power and influence in the region. The U.S. president will join other world leaders for the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Hangzhou, China, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and the East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos from September 2-8. The foreign policy rebalance is critical to America’s future security and prosperity, according to Obama. White House officials said that while in Asia he will repeatedly make “a forceful case” for ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The trade deal, signed by 12 Pacific rim nations, is the economic foundation of the so-called pivot. “TPP is a litmus test for U.S. leadership,” said Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor.  Without ratification the U.S. “would be ceding the region to countries like China, who do not set the same types of high standards for trade agreements,” he argued. But whether the U.S. Congress will ratify the deal is very much in doubt during a presidential election year in which trade has been blamed for lost jobs. Both major party candidates, Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, have spoken against it. Obama is expected to make a final push for ratification after presidential elections in November. “The chances of doing that are growing slimmer by the day,” said Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  “If we don’t have that, the rest of the rebalance to Asia looks hollow.” On the agenda Obama also will face a long list of tough issues during the G20 summit. Leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies are expected to have a robust debate about how best to stimulate the sluggish global economy and push ahead against climate change. Key meetings include talks between Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Ergodan.  He also likely will speak on the sidelines with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S.-China talks will cover U.S. concerns about Beijing’s cyber activities, economic practices and aggressive actions in the South China Sea, where it has claimed disputed territory, raising tensions with its Southeast Asian neighbors. With leadership changes set for next year, it is critical “to stabilize the U.S. relationship with China as they go through simultaneous political transitions in both countries,” Paal said. “I think the important thing for Obama during his meeting with Xi Jinping is to establish some red lines, things that we will not tolerate,” he added. White House officials said it will be the last such meeting between Obama and Xi. The two will “review the state of U.S.-China relations and to try to see where we can make progress,” said Rhodes. Obama and Erdogan will discuss Turkey’s crackdown since a failed coup attempt, which the Turkish president has blamed on the U.S.  Also on the agenda are the fight against Islamic State, instability in Syria and the refugee crisis. Possible talks between Obama and Putin are expected to focus on the conflict in eastern Ukraine and Moscow’s role in Syria. The U.S. has urged Russia to persuade President Bashar al-Assad to abide by a cessation of hostilities agreement and allow the flow of humanitarian aid. Obama will be the first U.S. president to visit Laos when he travels to Vientiane for the ASEAN and East Asia summits on September 5. He will hold talks with that country’s leaders as part of the ongoing effort to build ties with people and develop more trade and investment. After the meeting, the U.S. leader will deliver a speech on his Asia policy and his vision for America’s future in the Asia Pacific. “I think he'll speak to the fact that we've significantly upgraded our commercial and economic diplomacy in the region, our security presence in the partnerships that we're building, both with allies but also with emerging partners on issues like maritime security and disaster response,” said Rhodes. He again will press for U.S. ratification of TPP during the remarks. Obama is scheduled to meet with the Philippines' new president, Rodrigo Duterte, to discuss an international court ruling at The Hague against China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. President Obama will seek to reassure Southeast Asian nations about the U.S. commitment to the rebalance. But progress on the security and diplomatic fronts are not enough, said Matthew Goodman, William E. Simon Chair in Political Economy and Senior Adviser for Asian Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.  The future of the rebalance and Obama’s legacy rest on TPP. “If it doesn’t get ratified then I think his legacy will be seen as mixed at best in Asia,” said Goodman. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/asia-pacific-rebalance-uncertain-as-obama-makes-final-trip-to-region/3490091.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/asia-pacific-rebalance-uncertain-as-obama-makes-final-trip-to-region/3490091.html Fri, 02 Sep 2016 02:30:34 +0700 Southeast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Mary Alice Salinas, VOA News) Hanoi has officially reacted to Phnom Penh’s request to “identify” and “take strong action against” Vietnamese nationals who purportedly left insulting comments on Cambodian Premier Hun Sen’s Facebook page, criticizing him for supporting Beijing’s claims over the South China Sea. In a written statement, Le Hai Binh, spokesman for the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the personal opinions apparently posted by Vietnamese writers “do not reflect Vietnam’s stance.” “We ... do not support those who used freedom of speech to make personal insults and provocative attitude in order to drive a wedge between the peoples of the two countries,” the spokesperson said. Last week, the Cambodian government condemned the “verbal attacks” accusing Hun Sen of betraying his eastern neighbor as “immoral” and “highly offensive.” Huynh Ngoc Chenh, a Vietnamese media expert, said he was surprised by Vietnam’s response. “It shows the increased impact of social media — Facebook in particular — on the ruling authorities, especially the Vietnamese ones,” said Chenh, adding that even Vietnamese Premier Nguyen Xuan Phuc was recently forced to publicly apologize after his motorcade swept through narrow Hoi An streets reserved for pedestrians, resulting in widespread rounds of condemnation on Facebook. Premier's response The Cambodian premier on Monday took to the social network to hit back at his South China Sea detractors, calling on Vietnam to respect Cambodian sovereignty and "[educate] their people not to bother me anymore." "Again, I want to reaffirm with you that I am not a Vietnamese puppet serving the benefits of Vietnamese country, and I’m also not a boss of Vietnam," the Cambodian leader posted. "I’m not asking Vietnam to serve Cambodian political interest either. The South China Sea conflict should [be resolved] ... peacefully by the Chinese and Vietnamese governments. It’s better than [resolving] it through war, as you’ve mentioned in your comment on my Facebook.” Ou Virak, founder of the Phnom Penh-based Future Forum think tank, told VOA's Khmer service that although he agreed the criticism of his premier didn't reflect the stance of Vietnamese officials, he questioned Hun Sen's political prudence in personally responding to the slights of random internet users, let alone in the manner of a formal diplomatic statement. "I believe there are people who build the premier's Facebook page," he said. "If he does not like how people comment [on his posts], he can just ignore them." Vietnamese spokesperson Binh told VOA's Vietnamese service that the foreign ministry attaches importance to “friendly, neighborly and comprehensive relations with Cambodia,” and that it has "made efforts to maintain these ties for the common interests of two peoples.” Border dispute On Tuesday, Vietnam and Cambodia concluded closed-door discussions on a territorial border dispute, jointly agreeing to "seek international consultants to advise on ways to demarcate the border.” Var Kim Hong, leader of the Cambodian delegation, told reporters that the two sides “failed to reach an accord.” Tran Cong Truc, a former Vietnamese official in charge of border affairs who has repeatedly engaged with Cambodian counterparts, struck a slightly more optimistic tone. "Vietnam has shown its willingness to solve the border issue by agreeing to have a third party, especially France, joining in the demarcating process," he said, adding that France prepared the original map delineating the shared border during the colonial era. The head of the Cambodian delegation, however, said Phnom Penh observes the border with Vietnam as it was set in 1983, according to maps of Indochina — the former French colonial territory that now comprises Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Tensions have mounted in recent weeks as Phnom Penh has accused Hanoi of illegally digging ponds and building outposts inside Cambodian territory — assertions that Vietnam denies. This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Vietnamese and Khmer services. VOA's Ith Sothoeuth and Hul Reaksmey contributed reporting from Phnom Penh. Correction: An earlier draft of this story indicated that Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar were once part of French Indochina. The territory of the former colony is in fact the present states of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos only. VOA regrets the error. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/vietnam-rejects-insults-cambodian-leader-facebook/3489431.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/vietnam-rejects-insults-cambodian-leader-facebook/3489431.html Thu, 01 Sep 2016 19:20:04 +0700 CambodiaSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Trung Nguyen, VOA Vietnamese) The two sides met to discuss a plan of action to address disputes over alleged encroachment on Cambodian territory by Vietnamese interests. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/border-meeting-with-vietnam-ends-in-deadlock/3488044.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/border-meeting-with-vietnam-ends-in-deadlock/3488044.html Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:48:11 +0700 CambodiaSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Ith Sothoeuth, VOA Khmer) Since 2011, Cambodia has sent more than 20 diplomatic letters to Vietnam to protest what it calls encroachment by the Vietnamese on its territory. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodia-seeks-resolution-of-vietnam-border-spat/3486554.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodia-seeks-resolution-of-vietnam-border-spat/3486554.html Tue, 30 Aug 2016 23:29:07 +0700 CambodiaSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Ith Sothoeuth, VOA Khmer) Cambodian women often have their passports taken away when they arrive in China and are forced to pay thousands of dollars in fees for the “service”. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/new-report-details-china-brides-ordeals/3486532.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/new-report-details-china-brides-ordeals/3486532.html Tue, 30 Aug 2016 23:15:03 +0700 CambodiaSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Kann Vicheika, VOA Khmer) China is Cambodia's biggest donor and source of loans, with an estimated $15 billion in aid and loans distributed to Cambodia over the past 20 years. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodia-to-request-asean-keep-quiet-over-south-china-sea/3481965.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodia-to-request-asean-keep-quiet-over-south-china-sea/3481965.html Fri, 26 Aug 2016 21:39:04 +0700 CambodiaSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Ith Sothoeuth, VOA Khmer) The briefings devoted a great amount of attention to developments in Indochina, where the U.S. was attempting to withdraw from the Vietnam War and support faltering governments in nearby Cambodia and Laos. http://www.voacambodia.com/a/cia-declassifies-presidential-briefinfs-from-ninteen-seventies/3481790.html http://www.voacambodia.com/a/cia-declassifies-presidential-briefinfs-from-ninteen-seventies/3481790.html Fri, 26 Aug 2016 19:30:57 +0700 CambodiaSoutheast Asianoreply@voanews.com (Wayne Lee, VOA News)