Asean needs to examine current gaps

Second, Asean must diversify trade relations beyond the U.S.

- FROM B1

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, is a natural focal point. Leaders should give political impetus to deepening RCEP implementation and expanding cooperation into new sectors such as services, via a summit.

Where consensus among all RCEP members is elusive, Asean should pursue upgrades in trade and investment ties with willing partners. Beyond RCEP, Asean can do more with the European Union, India and even Latin America.

To give such efforts coherence and weight, the grouping could appoint a Trade Promotion Commissioner — not to negotiate on behalf of members, but to build dialogue and conduct pre-negotiation studies that pave the way for deeper economic collaboration.

MOVING FROM CEASEFIRE TO CONFLICT PREVENTION Asean's security relevance was tested when violence flared on the Thai-Cambodian border.