No place for 'empire and aggression' in Indo-Pacific
Pence tells Asean leaders in Singapore
♦ US VP urges sanctions pressure on N Korea
♦ Says Trump and Kim will likely meet again after New Year
US Vice President Mike Pence yesterday told leaders of Southeast Asian nations that there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, a comment that could be interpreted as a reference to China's rise.
Pence did not mention China in his remarks at the opening of a summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Singapore, but stressed that small countries as well as large ones should be allowed to prosper in the Indo-Pacific.
The prime minister of Singapore later said that Southeast Asian countries did not want to take sides when pulled in different directions by major powers, but that one day it may have to.
Leaders at the Asean meetings this week heard warnings that the post-World War Two international order was in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries.
"Like you, we seek an Indo-Pacific in which all nations, large and small, can prosper and thrive – secure in our sovereignty, confident in our values, and growing stronger together," Pence said. "We all agree that empire and aggression have no place in the Indo-Pacific."
He said Washington had taken action to promote this vision, including steps to spur private investment in infrastructure and a pursuit of trade that is "free, fair, and reciprocal".
The vice president highlighted the United States' "pressure campaign" on North Korea, its "commitment to uphold the freedom of the seas and skies" and determination to ensure that Southeast Asian nations are secure in their sovereign borders, on land, and at sea in the digital world.
Pence also told reporters Trump and Kim Jong Un will likely meet again after New Year, but insisted his government would not repeat past mistakes where "promises are broken."