East Asia Summit

The concept of an East Asia Grouping has significant history going back to an idea first promoted in 1991 by then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The final report in 2002 of the East Asian Study Group, established by the ASEAN Plus Three countries, was based on an EAS involving ASEAN Plus Three, therefore not involving Australia, New Zealand, or India.{{cite web|url=http://www.aseansec.org/viewpdf.asp?file=/pdf/easg.pdf|title=Report of the East Asian Study Group|website=aseansec.org|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708020825/http://www.aseansec.org/viewpdf.asp?file=%2Fpdf%2Feasg.pdf|archive-date=8 July 2012|df=dmy-all}} The EAS as proposed was to be an ASEAN-led development, with the summit to be linked to ASEAN summit meetings. However, the issue was to which countries beyond those in ASEAN the EAS was to be extended.

The decision to hold the EAS was reached during the 2004 ASEAN Plus Three summit and the initial 16 members determined at the ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting held in Laos at the end of July 2005.{{Cite web|url=http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed081805a.cfm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060603004508/http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed081805a.cfm|url-status=unfit|title=First appeared in The Asian Wall Street Journal – Watching the East Asia Summit|archivedate=3 June 2006}}

Credit for advancing the forum during the 2004 ASEAN Plus Three summit has been attributed to Malaysia.{{cite web|url=http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/east-asia-summit-more-discord-accord|title=The East Asia Summit: More Discord than Accord – YaleGlobal Online|website=yaleglobal.yale.edu|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414122413/http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/east-asia-summit-more-discord-accord|archive-date=14 April 2010|df=dmy-all}}

{{Main|First East Asia Summit|Second East Asia Summit}}

Prior to the first meeting there was significant discussion as to which countries should be represented.{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=76332|title= Mahathir blasts Australia over summit |website=Nine MSN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619183728/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=76332 |archive-date=19 June 2006 |access-date=7 May 2018}} At the time there were difficulties in the relationship between the "Plus Three" members (i.e. Japan, China and South Korea) of ASEAN Plus Three,{{cite web|url=http://www.bowring.net/easiasummit.htm|title=An Asian Union? Not yet – Editorials & Commentary – International Herald Tribune|first=Philip|last=Bowring|website=bowring.net|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181030/http://www.bowring.net/easiasummit.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} and the perception that India and Australia and to a lesser extent New Zealand were present to balance the growing China power{{cite web|url=http://english.people.com.cn/200512/07/eng20051207_226350.html|title=People's Daily Online – East Asia Summit: in the shadow of sharp divisions|last=|website=english.people.com.cn|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009013107/http://english.people.com.cn/200512/07/eng20051207_226350.html|archive-date=9 October 2012|df=dmy-all}} all meant the first meeting's achievements were limited. Russia expressed early interest in EAS membership and attended the first EAS as an observer at the invitation of 2005 EAS host Malaysia.

The next EAS was to be held on 13 December 2006 in Metro Cebu, Philippines. After the confidence building of the inaugural EAS the 2006 EAS will help to define the future role of the EAS, its relationship with ASEAN Plus Three and the involvement of Russia in EAS. However, in the face of Tropical Typhoon Utor the summit was postponed until January 2007.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2006/12/13/asean.summit.shelved.effectively..html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101130705/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2006/12/13/asean.summit.shelved.effectively..html|url-status=dead|title=Sun Star – Asean summit shelved 'effectively'?|website=SunStar |archivedate=1 January 2007}} It was rescheduled for 15 January 2007, approximately a month after the original scheduled date.

{{Main|Third East Asia Summit|Fourth East Asia Summit}}

Internal ASEAN issues were significant for the next Summits. The issues of Myanmar (Burma), following the 2007 Burmese anti-government protests, and climate change were expected to be discussed at the Third EAS. Myanmar successfully blocked formal discussion of its internal affairs.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/312568_51/1/.html|title=ASEAN stands ready to help Myanmar: Singapore PM Lee|website=Channel News Asia|access-date=7 May 2018|archive-date=14 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014201428/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/312568_51/1/.html|url-status=dead}}

The summit did issue the Singapore Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment.

The Summit also agreed to the establishment of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and to receive the final report on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership for East Asia at the Fourth EAS.{{cite web|url=http://www.aseansec.org/21127.htm|title=Chairman's Statement of the 3rd East Asia Summit Singapore, 21 November 2007 – Paragraphs 13 and 14|website=aseansec.org|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521115217/http://www.aseansec.org/21127.htm|archive-date=21 May 2013|df=dmy-all}}

The outcomes are summarised in the {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130521115217/http://www.aseansec.org/21127.htm Chairman's Statement of the 3rd East Asia Summit Singapore, 21 November 2007.]}}

The Fourth EAS was significantly delayed and its location changed a number of times due to internal tensions in Thailand, the host nation. In the lead up to the summit there were several border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. The summit however is said to be used as an opportunity for discussions on the sidelines between the respective nation's leaders.{{cite web |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/world/22368-thai-cambodian-pms-to-meet-to-defuse-tension |title=Thai, Cambodian PMS to meet to defuse tension |access-date=2009-04-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412100354/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/world/22368-thai-cambodian-pms-to-meet-to-defuse-tension |archive-date=12 April 2009 |df=dmy-all }} The summit was cancelled following protesters taking over the summit's venue on the day of the summit.{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/12/thailand.protests/index.html|title=Thai riot police clash with protesters.com|publisher=CNN|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224219/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/12/thailand.protests/index.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} It was rescheduled and held on 25 October 2009. The summit adopted statements on disaster relief and the Nalanda University.

{{Main|Fifth East Asia Summit|Sixth East Asia Summit|Seventh East Asia Summit}}

After a period of review, the Summit grew from 16 to 18 nations by adding the United States and Russia to the Summit. Initially represented by their Foreign Ministers at the Fifth EAS, the two new members were invited to formally join with the Sixth EAS. Tensions between the members of the Summit continued to impede the members developing a more ambitious program.

File:Anthony Albanese portrait (cropped).jpg|{{flagicon|AUS}} Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

File:His Majesty Bolkiah 20231216.jpg|{{flagicon|BRU}} Brunei
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

File:훈 마넷 캄보디아 총리 (2024년 5월 17일).jpg|{{flagicon|CAM}} Cambodia
Prime Minister Hun Manet

File:Li Qiang (2024) (cropped).jpg|{{flagicon|CHN}} China
Premier Li Qiang

File:Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.jpg|{{flagicon|IND}} India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

File:Prabowo Subianto 2024 official portrait.jpg|{{flagicon|IDN}} Indonesia
President Prabowo Subianto

File:Ishiba Shigeru 20241001 (cropped).jpg|{{flagicon|JPN}} Japan
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

File:Sonexay Siphandone (2024).jpg|{{flagicon|LAO}} Laos
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

File:Anwar Ibrahim (2024-05-23).jpg|{{flagicon|MAS}} Malaysia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

File:Мин Аун Хлайн в Татарстане 04 (25-06-2021) (cropped 3).jpg|{{flagicon|MYA}} Myanmar
Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing

File:LUXON, Christopher - Botany (cropped).png|{{flagicon|NZL}} New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

File:Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr (cropped portrait).jpg|{{flagicon|PHL}} Philippines
President Bongbong Marcos

File:Mikhail Mishustin (2024-01-11) cropped.jpg|{{flagicon|RUS}} Russia
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin

File:Lawrence Wong 20230526.jpg|{{flagicon|SIN}} Singapore
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

File:Choi Sang-mok 20240816.jpg|{{flagicon|KOR}} South Korea
acting President Choi Sang-mok

File:PM Paetongtarn of Thailand (2024) 01 (cropped) (cropped).jpg|{{flagicon|THA}} Thailand
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

File:TrumpPortrait.jpg|{{flagicon|USA}} United States
President Donald Trump

File:Pham Minh Chinh 2021.jpg|{{flagicon|VIE}} Vietnam
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính

At the Second EAS the EAS members signed the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security, a declaration on energy security and biofuels, containing a statement for members to prepare non-binding targets.{{cite web|url=http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=docs&docid=31|title=12thaseansummit.org.ph – 12thaseansummit Resources and Information.|website=12thaseansummit.org.ph|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101132138/http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=docs&docid=31|archive-date=1 November 2007|df=dmy-all}}

Trade is an important focus for the summit.

As to trade and regional integration the following was noted in the Chair's report for the Second EAS:

12. We welcomed ASEAN's efforts towards further integration and community building, and reaffirmed our resolve to work closely together in narrowing development gaps in our region. We reiterated our support for ASEAN's role as the driving force for economic integration in this region. To deepen integration, we agreed to launch a Track To study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership for East Asia (CEPEA) among EAS participants. We tasked the ASEAN Secretariat to prepare a time frame for the study and to invite all our countries to nominate their respective participants in it.

We welcomed Japan's proposal for an Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

The reality appears however that movement towards such a relationship is a long way-off. Lee Kuan Yew has compared the relationship between Southeast Asia and India with that of the European Community and Turkey, and has suggested that a free-trade area involving Southeast Asia and India is 30 to 50 years away.{{cite web|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/s1933180.htm|title=EU expansion a lesson: Lee Kuan Yew|publisher=Radio Australia |access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626115809/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/s1933180.htm|archive-date=26 June 2007|df=dmy-all}}

The members of EAS agreed to study the Japanese proposed{{cite web|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ed20070117a1.html|title=The Japan Times Online: Success for the EAS? |website=Japan Times |access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927000501/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ed20070117a1.html|archive-date=27 September 2011|df=dmy-all}} Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA). The Track Two report on CEPEA is due to be completed in mid-2008{{Cite web|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20071121.E03&irec=2|title=The Jakarta Post – East Asia Summit and broader economic integration in Asia}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and at the Third EAS it was agreed this would be considered at the Fourth EAS.

As noted above the Second EAS welcomed the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). It was subsequently announced that the ERIA would be established in November 2007[http://www.bruneitimes.com.bn/details.php?shape_ID=37631 The Brunei Times – Link Dead]{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and confirmed at the Third EAS.

The Declaration of the Fifth Anniversary of the East Asia Summit issued at the Fifth EAS provided the Summit declared:[http://asean2010.vn/asean_en/news/48/2DAA10/Ha-Noi-Declaration-on-the-commemoration-of-the-fifth-anniversary-of-the-EAST-ASIA-summit Ha Noi Declaration on the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the EAST ASIA summit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103062547/http://asean2010.vn/asean_en/news/48/2DAA10/Ha-Noi-Declaration-on-the-commemoration-of-the-fifth-anniversary-of-the-EAST-ASIA-summit |date=3 November 2010 }}

3. To redouble efforts to move progress and cooperation in the EAS further forward, including in the priority areas and in the promotion of regional integration through supporting the realisation of the ASEAN Community and such initiatives as the ASEAN Plus FTAs and other existing wider regional economic integration efforts including studies on East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA).

India has launched several Look-East connectivity projects with China and ASEAN nations.

{{Main|East Asian Community}}

After the EAS was established the issue arose of whether any future East Asia Community would arise from the EAS or ASEAN Plus Three. Prior to the creation of the EAS it appeared that ASEAN Plus Three would take the role of community building in East Asia.{{cite web |author=Anil Netto |date=31 August 2002 |title=ASEAN: Trouble in the family |website=Asia Times |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/DH31Ae06.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020912003950/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/DH31Ae06.html|url-status=dead |archive-date=12 September 2002|access-date=7 May 2018}}

Malaysia felt that it was still the case that the role of the community building fell to ASEAN Plus Three shortly before the second EAS despite "confusion".{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/12/5/nation/16226090&sec=nation|title=Much confusion over East Asian community building|date=1 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501134400/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/12/5/nation/16226090&sec=nation|access-date=7 May 2018|archive-date=1 May 2011}} China apparently agreed whereas Japan and India felt the EAS should be the focus of the East Asian Community.[http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/editorial/20061215TDY04005.htm Original link dead]

[http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=210504 Original link dead] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518232436/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=210504 |date=18 May 2007 }}

After the first EAS the feasibility of EAS to have a community building role was questioned with Ong Keng Yong, the secretary-general of ASEAN being quoted as describing the EAS as little more than a "brainstorming forum".{{Cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=117796|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824071007/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=117796|url-status=dead|title=Timor parliament to consider oil deal|archivedate=24 August 2007}}

Nevertheless, the {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060823220809/http://www.aseansec.org/18579.htm Chairman’s Press Statement for the Seventh ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting]}} Kuala Lumpur, 26 July 2006 said

25. The Ministers welcomed the convening of the East Asia Summit as a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia. In this respect, they recognized that the East Asia Summit could make a significant contribution to the achievement of the long-term goal of establishing an East Asian community.

It appeared that over time following the first EAS the focus was less on whether the EAS has a role in community building to what the role and whether it was secondary to ASEAN Plus Three. By mid-2006 the Chinese news site Xinhua Net suggested the community would arise through a two-phase process with ASEAN Plus Three as the first phase and the EAS as the second phase.{{Cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-07/29/content_4890285.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501124402/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-07/29/content_4890285.htm|url-status=dead|title=Xinhua – English|archivedate=1 May 2011}} The China-India joint declaration of 21 November 2006 linked, at paragraph 43, the EAS with the East Asian Community process.{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=22168|title=PIB Press Release|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613045925/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=22168|archive-date=13 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The concentric circle model of the community process with ASEAN at the centre, ASEAN Plus Three at the next band and the East Asia Summit at the outer band is supported by the {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071123073634/http://www.aseansec.org/21099.htm Second Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation Building on the Foundations of ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation]}} which said:

III. Looking Forward to a Decade of Consolidation and Closer Integration (2007–2017)

A. Defining the Objectives and Roles of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation in the Emerging Regional Architecture

1. We reaffirmed that the ASEAN Plus Three Process would remain as the main vehicle towards the long-term goal of building an East Asian community, with ASEAN as the driving force.

...

3. We recognised and supported the mutually reinforcing and complementary roles of the ASEAN Plus Three process and such regional fora as EAS, ARF, APEC and ASEM to promote East Asian community building.

4. We reiterated that East Asian integration is an open, transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking process for mutual benefits and support internationally shared values to achieve peace, stability, democracy and prosperity in the region. Guided by the vision for durable peace and shared prosperity in East Asia and beyond, we will stand guided by new economic flows, evolving strategic interactions and the belief to continue to engage all interested countries and organisations towards the realisation of an open regional architecture capable of adapting to changes and new dynamism.

On any view, community building is not a short-term project. However, after the second EAS, the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was confident that the EAS would lead to an East Asia Community.{{cite web |title=East Asia Summit would ultimately lead to creation of East Asia community: PM|url=http://www.dailyindia.com/show/103864.php/East-Asia-Summit-would-ultimately-lead-to-creation-of-East-Asia-community:-PM |website=Daily India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154815/http://www.dailyindia.com/show/103864.php/East-Asia-Summit-would-ultimately-lead-to-creation-of-East-Asia-community%3A-PM |archive-date=30 September 2007}} China had also apparently accepted this was the case.{{Cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-01/16/content_5612470.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501124358/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-01/16/content_5612470.htm|url-status=dead|title=Xinhua – English|archivedate=1 May 2011}}

If achieved the Comprehensive Economic Partnership for East Asia (CEPEA) would be a tangible first step in the community building process. The second EAS seems to have increased confidence in CEPEA but is still only a proposal.{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1074792|title=East Asia summit is an unqualified success for India – Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=16 January 2007|website=dnaindia.com|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035349/http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1074792|archive-date=30 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}

It has been suggested that as the EAS consists of an "anti-region" the prospects of it forming a community are less than likely.{{cite report |author=Shaun Breslin |date=November 2007 |publisher=The Stanley Foundation |title=Supplying Demand or Demanding Supply? An Alternative Look at the Forces Driving East Asian Community Building |url=http://www.stanleyfoundation.org/publications/pab/Breslin_07_PAB.pdf |access-date=2007-11-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128193052/http://www.stanleyfoundation.org/publications/pab/Breslin_07_PAB.pdf |archive-date=28 November 2007 |df=dmy-all }}

The relationship between the EAS on one hand and ASEAN Plus Three on the other is still not clear. As discussed above, some countries are more supportive of the narrower ASEAN Plus Three grouping whereas others support the broader, more inclusive EAS. ASEAN Plus Three, which has been meeting since December 1997{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130528001949/http://www.aseansec.org/16580.htm ASEAN secretariat – ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation]}} has a history, including the Chiang Mai Initiative{{cite web|url=http://www.aseansec.org/afp/113.htm|title=ASEAN secretariat – China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN Agree on Wider Currency Swap Arrangements|website=aseansec.org|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521124149/http://www.aseansec.org/afp/113.htm|archive-date=21 May 2013|df=dmy-all}} which appears to have led to the development of the Asian Monetary Unit. This may be significant for those advocating a broader role for EAS in the future.

The tension between the groupings extends to the respective members' intentions towards future Free Trade Agreements with China and South Korea focused on ASEAN Plus Three and Japan on the broader EAS members.{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=215499|title=Bernama – Japan Pushes For Expanded EAFTA Comprising 16 Countries|website=bernama.com.my|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929103158/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=215499|archive-date=29 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}

The 1997 Asian financial crisis had demonstrated the need for regional groupings and initiatives. It was during this time ASEAN Plus Three had commenced and it was also during this time that the East Asian caucus was being discussed.

The EAS is just one regional grouping and some members down play its significance, the former Australian Prime Minister John Howard has stated that the EAS was secondary as a regional summit to APEC which has on his view a premier role.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2005/s1530494.htm|title=AM – APEC leads Asian summits, PM says|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512010724/http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2005/s1530494.htm|archive-date=12 May 2017|df=dmy-all}} Not all members of the EAS, notably India, are members of APEC. However, as the EAS meetings are scheduled with the ASEAN Plus Three meetings (they both follow the annual ASEAN meetings) and all members of ASEAN Plus Three are members of EAS the ability of the two forums to remain relevant given the existence of the other remains in question. China has stated its preference for both EAS and ASEAN Plus Three to exist side by side.{{Cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/200512/14/eng20051214_228024.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060225224740/http://english.people.com.cn/200512/14/eng20051214_228024.html|url-status=dead|title=People's Daily Online -- East Asia Summit, a new platform for regional cooperation|archivedate=25 February 2006|website=en.people.cn}}

The relationship between APEC, ASEAN Plus Three and the EAS remained unresolved heading into the 2007 APEC meeting.{{Cite web|url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/politics/2006/11/633054/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111183831/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/politics/2006/11/633054/|url-status=dead|title=VietNamNet Bridge|archivedate=11 January 2007}} Following the meeting the then Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described ASEAN Plus Three as the primary vehicle and implied APEC was the lesser of the three.{{Cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/11/19/nation/16071554&sec=nation|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501134408/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F11%2F19%2Fnation%2F16071554&sec=nation|url-status=dead|title=Make Apec relevant to all|archivedate=1 May 2011}} At the same time a Malaysian commentator writing in a Singaporean newspaper described concentric circles for the three with ASEAN Plus Three at the centre and APEC at the outer, also suggested the Nikai Initiative, with its regional OECD like plans, might overtaking the remaining role for APEC.[https://web.archive.org/web/20181215172206/https://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Saturday/Columns/20061118123949/Article/index_html The New Strais Times On-line – Link dead]

Russia participated in the first EAS as an observer at the invitation of 2005 host Malaysia and requested to become a member. Its request to become a future member received support from China and India.{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/15/stories/2007021521771400.htm | location=Chennai, India | title=Trilateral business meet later this year | date=15 February 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218234102/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/15/stories/2007021521771400.htm | archive-date=18 February 2007 | work=The Hindu | df=dmy-all }}

The membership of EAS was to be considered by ASEAN on a case-by-case basis.{{cite web|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/33198/vietnam-takes-the-helm|title=Vietnam takes the helm – Bangkok Post: news |website=Bangkok Post |access-date=7 May 2018}} ASEAN decided to freeze new "membership" of EAS for the second and third summits.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/East-Asia-Summit-freezes-membership-for-2-years/articleshow/1539589.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018213610/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-05-20/rest-of-world/27801902_1_asean-ong-keng-yong-east-asia-summit |archive-date=2012-10-18 |title=East Asia Summit freezes membership for 2 years |website=The Times of India |url-status=live |date=18 October 2012}}

The status of potential future members was discussed in the Chairman's Statement of the 16th ASEAN Summit (9 April 2010){{cite web|url=http://www.aseansec.org/24509.htm|title=Chairman's Statement of the 16th ASEAN Summit "Towards the Asean Community: from Vision to Action"|website=aseansec.org|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521103045/http://www.aseansec.org/24509.htm|archive-date=21 May 2013|df=dmy-all}} in these terms:

43. We recognized and supported the mutually reinforcing roles of the ASEAN+3 process, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and such regional forums as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), to promote the East Asian cooperation and dialogue towards the building of a community in East Asia. In this connection, we encouraged Russia and the US to deepen their engagement in an evolving regional architecture, including the possibility of their involvement with the EAS through appropriate modalities, taking into account the Leaders-led, open and inclusive nature of the EAS.

ASEAN formally invited the United States and Russia to join the group from 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h3xcrO8YSIm9-PeBMNAC-i5PMfcw|title=US, Russia to join East Asia Summit|via=Google |access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723014303/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h3xcrO8YSIm9-PeBMNAC-i5PMfcw|archive-date=23 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}

Japan and India supported inclusion of the United States and Russia prior to their invitation to join the East Asia Summit.{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Chinese-glue-brings-India-Japan-closer/Article1-617760.aspx |title=Hindustan Times – Archive News |access-date=2010-09-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028213130/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Chinese-glue-brings-India-Japan-closer/Article1-617760.aspx |archive-date=28 October 2010 |df=dmy-all }}

US President Barack Obama declared his country "an Asia Pacific nation" during his first year in office.{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Mike |title=America's first Pacific president |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29511.html |publisher=POLITICO |access-date=24 October 2011 |date=13 November 2009 |quote='As an Asia Pacific nation, the United States expects to be involved in the discussions that shape the future of this region, and to participate fully in appropriate organizations as they are established and evolve,' Obama said. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027172031/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29511.html |archive-date=27 October 2011 |df=dmy-all }} Subsequently, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended the Fifth EAS in October 2010 and President Obama attended the Sixth EAS in November 2011.

In April and May 2010 it was discussed that the roles for Russia and the United States may be to create a new grouping "ASEAN + 8" including the East Asia Summit members together with the United States and Russia. ASEAN + 8 may not meet as regularly as the East Asia Summit due to the logistical difficulties in the United States President committing to an annual Asian meeting. Such a meeting could be held every two to three years to coincide with the APEC meeting occurring in Asia.{{cite web|url=http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2010/05/08/asean8-a-recipe-for-a-new-regional-architecture/|title=ASEAN+8 – A recipe for a new regional architecture|date=8 May 2010|website=eastasiaforum.org|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928035132/http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2010/05/08/asean8-a-recipe-for-a-new-regional-architecture/|archive-date=28 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}

East Timor is a candidate for ASEAN membership, with the organization agreeing in principle to admit the country, while Papua New Guinea has shown an intention to join;{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070609190633/http://www.aseansec.org/afp/154.htm East Timor Needs Five Years to Join ASEAN: PM]}}[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154860/Papua-New-Guinea-asks-RP-support-for-Asean-membership-bid Papua New Guinea asks RP support for Asean membership bid] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522122208/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154860/Papua-New-Guinea-asks-RP-support-for-Asean-membership-bid |date=22 May 2011 }} Retrieved 8 July 2009[http://www.op.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22879&Itemid=2 Somare seeks PGMA's support for PNG's ASEAN membership bid] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306192700/http://www.op.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22879&Itemid=2 |date=6 March 2010 }} Retrieved 8 July 2009 presumably new members of ASEAN would also join the EAS.{{cite news|title=09-East Timor soon to join ASEAN|url=http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20070109122630046|publisher=Balita – Linking Filipinos worldwide with news since 1994|date=2007-01-09|access-date=2007-03-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127040254/http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20070109122630046|archive-date=27 January 2007|df=dmy-all}}

Over several years, especially shortly the commencement of the summits, other countries have been connected with the EAS.

In 2006, Pakistan and Mongolia were proposed as future members by Malaysia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=104480|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928145843/http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=104480|url-status=dead|title=Online International News Network – Pak-Malaysia stresses enhancing trade, economic relations|archivedate=28 September 2007}} Mongolia was mentioned again by Vietnam, the then chair, in 2010.[http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/Vietnam-Mongolia-expect-US2-million-in-trade/20108/119074.vov Vietnam, Mongolia expect US$12 million in trade] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901163538/http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/Vietnam-Mongolia-expect-US2-million-in-trade/20108/119074.vov |date=1 September 2010 }}

In 2007, Pakistan and Bangladesh were raised by Japan as possible members.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200705250094.html|title=The Asahi Shimbun|website=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528060118/http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200705250094.html|archive-date=28 May 2007|df=dmy-all}}

In 2007, the European Union indicated it wishes to have a role as an observer.{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/06/227&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en|title=European Commission – Benita Ferrero-Waldner
European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy
New Visions for EU-Japan Relations
Opening of Joint EU-Japan Symposium
Brussels, 6 April 2006|website=europa.eu|access-date=7 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130085209/http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH%2F06%2F227&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en|archive-date=30 January 2012|df=dmy-all}}

In 2008, the Arab League held talks and expressed its desire to have a role as an observer.{{Cite web|url=https://www.arableagueonline.org/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111134312/http://www.arableagueonline.org/las/arabic/details_ar.jsp?art_id=343&level_id=205|url-status=dead|title=Arab League - Sportwetten - Beste Singlebörsen im Vergleich|archivedate=11 November 2007|website=Arab League - Sportwetten - Beste Singlebörsen im Vergleich}}

In 2017, Sri Lanka and Maldives were proposed to be possible members of East Asia Summit. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau attended as guest. He had arrived directly from the APEC 2017 summit held in Da Nang, Vietnam.

• Comprehensive Economic Partnership for East Asia
• Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
• Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere: unrelated concept in the mid-20th century
• Asian Monetary Unit
• ASEAN
• ASEAN Free Trade Area: The FTA arrangements between the 10 members of ASEAN
• ASEAN Summit: held jointly with the EAS

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|East Asia Summit}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120623152921/http://www.asean.org/aadcp/repsf/abouteastasiasummit.html ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program: About the East Asia Summit]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060321184540/http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/FAD/eastasia_summit.htm The East Asia Summit: Issues and outcomes]
• [http://www.ceac.jp/e/index.html The Council on East Asian Community]
• [http://futureworldaffairs.blogspot.com/2007/03/east-asias-new-multilateralism-hopes.html East Asia New Multilateralism Hopes]

{{East Asia Summit}}

{{Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)}}

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Category:21st-century diplomatic conferences

Category:ASEAN meetings

Category:Organizations associated with ASEAN

Category:Organizations established in 2005

Category:Politics of East Asia