Biden eyes hosting special summit with ASEAN leaders

US President Joe Biden is planning to host ASEAN leaders in Washington for an Asean-US Special Summit soon. Biden announced his intention during his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Biden told PM Lee that even as his administration addresses the ongoing Ukraine crisis, it is committed to implementing its Indo-Pacific strategy. PM Lee welcomed Biden’s intention saying it is a strong affirmation of the US commitment to Southeast Asia and to ASEAN centrality. PM Lee is hoping that the US will continue to deepen its relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific. He expressed that Singapore deeply appreciates President Biden's leadership in strengthening US engagement in the region. The meeting at the White House of both leaders came amid a critical moment in world affairs, with Biden calling Russia's invasion of Ukraine an urgent threat to both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.