At a meeting in Laos of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Obama says a recent U.N. tribunal ruling against China is binding and clarifies the maritime rights issue.
Advertisement
The president stated that “this is serious business” when discussing his talks with foreign leaders during his trip to Laos.
Trump has previously angered many in the military community with mocking remarks against U.S. Senator and former prisoner of war John McCain for being captured in Vietnam.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, third left in white top, walks in with officials during ongoing 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits and other related summits at National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016.
“People start thinking behavior that in normal times we would consider completely unacceptable and outrageous becomes normalized”, Obama said during a news conference at the tail end of his visit to Laos.
Obama is expected hit the campaign trail with Democratic nominee and former first lady Hillary Clinton when he returns to the United States, with voter turnout likely to be a key theme. He has said he is charting a foreign policy that is not dependent on the US, and has moved to reduce tensions with China over rival territorial claims.
When he’s overseas, Obama has relayed fears from foreign leaders, who he says question him often about the state of the USA presidential contest.
The president said the primary concern he’s heard in Asia is not about the success of US engagement but whether it will continue after he leaves office.
Asked how he would explain the killings to Obama, he said in a long answer that the Philippines has long ceased to be a colony of the United States and he ddid not have a master except the Filipino people.
On his final day in Asia, Obama met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose help Obama is seeking to galvanize further action on climate change, especially among developing countries.
“I realize this raises tensions”, Obama said as he met with ASEAN leader, referring to a recent worldwide arbitration ruling against China on the maritime dispute.
But Obama ended up exchanging pleasantries with Duterte on the summit’s sidelines.
“I realize this raises tensions”, Obama said earlier Thursday about the ruling.
Advertisement
Obama says the USA wants to build on its partnership with Southeast Asia and to promote a “rules-based order” in the region. Congress to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal before the end of the year.
