The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference will be held in tiny (but wealthy) Brunei. On the table, according to the
State Department, are discussions of energy, climate change, commerce, education, and so forth, but the main undercurrents will, no doubt, concern maritime issues, particularly island ownership disputes among the smaller nations and China.
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As seen on this map of Malaysia, Brunei is a small Sultan state on the Island of Borneo
Sahah Tourism Bureau
Brunei is not alone having a military relationship with the United States. More notable are those with Japan, Twain, and the Philippines. The
current deployment of new navel assets to the region is a further sign of the region's importance on the world stage.
In Tuesday's Department of State briefing, Obama is quoted as saying,
“[Military relationships] have the capacity to help people in times of need and to try to help avoid conflict, rather than start conflict.”
