January 26, 2015

"A report appeared in New Strait Times in Singapore says that the United States is hoping so as Malaysia this year takes over the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

ASEAN has long been criticized for being a predominantly state-led talk shop with little participation from the citizens of its members. Yet, recent developments in ASEAN suggest its approach may be shifting.

As a founding member of Asean as well as a claimant in the South China Sea maritime dispute, Malaysia had a big stake in ensuring the passing of the CoC as a way to safeguard the region’s peace and stability, says US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel."

Read more:

http://www.marinelink.com/news/malaysia-prepares-asean384578.aspx