<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-indonesia-bus-plunge-rises-to-35-as-more-victims-found-270295">Indonesia</a> said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty".

The boat trespassed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands of Natuna, Indonesia's foreign ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the incident occurred.

"The foreign affairs ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta and conveyed a strong protest regarding this incident. A diplomatic note of protest has also been sent," it said.

The ambassador will report back to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-army-in-hong-kong-carries-out-air-sea-exercises-report-271138">Beijing</a>, but both sides have decided to maintain good bilateral relations, it said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;

Local fishermen saw a Chinese coastguard vessel escorting fishing boats several times in recent days and then reported what they had seen to the Maritime Security Agency, media reports said.

Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their waters and that both China and Indonesia have "normal" fishing activities there.

China's coastguard also carries out regular patrols there, he told a daily news briefing, without directly mentioning the Natuna Islands.

China's ambassador to Indonesia has already explained these points to the Indonesian government, Geng added.

Indonesia has no claims over the Spratly Islands, which lie to the northeast of the Natuna Islands.

Indonesia's foreign ministry reiterated its stance that the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and that it has no overlapping jurisdiction with China.

However, Jakarta has clashed with Beijing before over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and has also expanded its military presence in the area.

China claims most of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/south-china-sea-standoff-can-quad-check-chinas-encroachment-270414">South China Sea</a>, an important trade route which is believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas.

Beijing has been building artificial islands in the area, developments that have irked members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines - all members of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-pointless-for-kim-to-attend-south-korea-asean-summit-263634">ASEAN</a> - and also Taiwan also have claims in the sea.

Indonesia said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty".

Indonesia said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty". The boat trespassed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands of Natuna, Indonesia's foreign ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the incident occurred. "The foreign affairs ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta and conveyed a strong protest regarding this incident. A diplomatic note of protest has also been sent," it said. The ambassador will report back to Beijing, but both sides have decided to maintain good bilateral relations, it said. Also Watch: Local fishermen saw a Chinese coastguard vessel escorting fishing boats several times in recent days and then reported what they had seen to the Maritime Security Agency, media reports said. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their waters and that both China and Indonesia have "normal" fishing activities there. China's coastguard also carries out regular patrols there, he told a daily news briefing, without directly mentioning the Natuna Islands. China's ambassador to Indonesia has already explained these points to the Indonesian government, Geng added. Indonesia has no claims over the Spratly Islands, which lie to the northeast of the Natuna Islands. Indonesia's foreign ministry reiterated its stance that the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and that it has no overlapping jurisdiction with China. However, Jakarta has clashed with Beijing before over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and has also expanded its military presence in the area. China claims most of the South China Sea, an important trade route which is believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas. Beijing has been building artificial islands in the area, developments that have irked members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines - all members of ASEAN - and also Taiwan also have claims in the sea.

Indonesia protests to China over border intrusion near South China Sea

South Korea's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/feuding-korean-firms-risk-disrupting-electric-car-battery-supplies-264839">Hyundai Motor</a>&nbsp;has signed a deal to build a $1.5 billion car plant in Indonesia, the company said, its first in Southeast Asia, where Japanese carmakers dominate the market.

The deal comes as Seoul looks to diversify its trade-dependent economy, the world's 11th largest, away from reliance on traditional partners China and the US.

Indonesia is the region's largest automobile market, and the $1.55 billion deal&nbsp;aims to "combat slowing demand in the global automotive market" and propel future growth, Hyundai said in a statement.

The plant, to be built in Bekasi, east of Jakarta, will start production in 2021, Hyundai said, ultimately aiming to produce 250,000 vehicles a year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-pointless-for-kim-to-attend-south-korea-asean-summit-263634">South Korea's President Moon Jae-in </a>has been pushing a "New Southern Policy", seeking to bolster economic ties with Southeast Asia as the country aims to reduce over-reliance on Beijing and Washington, and Hyundai's announcement coincided with a South Korea-ASEAN summit in Busan.

Hyundai, the South's largest automaker, said it was building the factory in Indonesia to avoid import tariffs&nbsp;ranging from five to 80 percent in the ASEAN region.

At present it lags far behind its Japanese rivals in the region, with its sales reaching 122,883 vehicles versus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rallying-new-world-champion-tanak-leaves-toyota-for-hyundai-259174">Toyota's</a> 854,032 and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/renault-nissan-alliance-in-flux-a-year-after-ghosn-shock-262664"> Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi's</a> 351,267 from January to September this year, according to research firm LMC Automotive.

South Korea's central bank last month cut its key interest rate to its lowest in two years in an effort to prop up slowing growth with the economy hit by a bitter trade spat with Japan.

Hyundai shares were up 1.22 per cent in Wednesday afternoon trading in Seoul.

South Korea's Hyundai Motor has signed a deal to build a $1.5 billion car plant in Indonesia, the company said, its first in Southeast Asia, where Japanese carmakers dominate the market.

South Korea's Hyundai Motor has signed a deal to build a $1.5 billion car plant in Indonesia, the company said, its first in Southeast Asia, where Japanese carmakers dominate the market. The deal comes as Seoul looks to diversify its trade-dependent economy, the world's 11th largest, away from reliance on traditional partners China and the US. Indonesia is the region's largest automobile market, and the $1.55 billion deal aims to "combat slowing demand in the global automotive market" and propel future growth, Hyundai said in a statement. The plant, to be built in Bekasi, east of Jakarta, will start production in 2021, Hyundai said, ultimately aiming to produce 250,000 vehicles a year. South Korea's President Moon Jae-in has been pushing a "New Southern Policy", seeking to bolster economic ties with Southeast Asia as the country aims to reduce over-reliance on Beijing and Washington, and Hyundai's announcement coincided with a South Korea-ASEAN summit in Busan. Hyundai, the South's largest automaker, said it was building the factory in Indonesia to avoid import tariffs ranging from five to 80 percent in the ASEAN region. At present it lags far behind its Japanese rivals in the region, with its sales reaching 122,883 vehicles versus Toyota's 854,032 and Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi's 351,267 from January to September this year, according to research firm LMC Automotive. South Korea's central bank last month cut its key interest rate to its lowest in two years in an effort to prop up slowing growth with the economy hit by a bitter trade spat with Japan. Hyundai shares were up 1.22 per cent in Wednesday afternoon trading in Seoul.

Hyundai Motor to invest $1.5 billion in Indonesia factory

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-interested-in-meaningless-talks-just-so-trump-can-boast-north-korea-262928">North Korea</a> rejected an invitation for leader Kim Jong Un to attend a planned summit in South Korea next week with Southeast Asian nations, saying it would be "pointless" due to strained ties with Seoul, North Korean state media reported on Thursday.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in sent a letter of invitation to Kim on November&nbsp;5, with an offer for an envoy to attend if he was unable to participate, the official KCNA news agency said.

Moon has said Kim might join when he hosts leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the South Korean port city of Busan next week to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their partnership.

Moon's office said it was "very regretful" Kim would miss the event, and the invitation was meant to rally international support for the two leaders' joint efforts to foster peace.

While thanking Seoul for the invitation, North Korea requested the South's "understanding that we failed to find out the proper reason" for Kim to participate, KCNA said.

The statement accused South Korea of failing to implement agreements from past summits between Kim and Moon by depending on the United States.

"As nothing was achieved in implementing the agreements ... the north-south summit for the mere form's sake would be pointless," KCNA said.

"Not content with sustaining losses from dependence on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-trade-deal-may-not-be-signed-this-year-263497">United States</a>, the south side made an offer for discussing the north-south relations in the theatre of multi-lateral co-operation. This makes us only dubious."

The two Koreas undertook a flurry of diplomacy including three summits last year, during which Moon and Kim agreed to improve ties and restart stalled business initiatives.

But there has been no significant progress amid tightening sanctions aimed at the North's nuclear and missile programmes, and stalled denuclearisation talks after Kim's failed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-kim-jong-un-summits-other-aim-was-to-sell-vietnam-model-to-north-korea-208086">second summit</a> with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Pyongyang has stepped up criticism against Seoul and Washington in recent months for their joint military drills and the South's purchase of US&nbsp;weapons designed to fend off North Korean threats.

"North Korea now considers summits without payment for co-operation as empty diplomacy that merely helps Moon and Trump raise domestic political support," said Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

North Korea rejected an invitation for leader Kim Jong Un to attend a planned summit in South Korea next week with Southeast Asian nations, saying it would be "pointless" due to strained ties with Seoul, North Korean state media reported on Thursday.

North Korea rejected an invitation for leader Kim Jong Un to attend a planned summit in South Korea next week with Southeast Asian nations, saying it would be "pointless" due to strained ties with Seoul, North Korean state media reported on Thursday. South Korean President Moon Jae-in sent a letter of invitation to Kim on November 5, with an offer for an envoy to attend if he was unable to participate, the official KCNA news agency said. Moon has said Kim might join when he hosts leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the South Korean port city of Busan next week to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their partnership. Moon's office said it was "very regretful" Kim would miss the event, and the invitation was meant to rally international support for the two leaders' joint efforts to foster peace. While thanking Seoul for the invitation, North Korea requested the South's "understanding that we failed to find out the proper reason" for Kim to participate, KCNA said. The statement accused South Korea of failing to implement agreements from past summits between Kim and Moon by depending on the United States. "As nothing was achieved in implementing the agreements ... the north-south summit for the mere form's sake would be pointless," KCNA said. "Not content with sustaining losses from dependence on the United States, the south side made an offer for discussing the north-south relations in the theatre of multi-lateral co-operation. This makes us only dubious." The two Koreas undertook a flurry of diplomacy including three summits last year, during which Moon and Kim agreed to improve ties and restart stalled business initiatives. But there has been no significant progress amid tightening sanctions aimed at the North's nuclear and missile programmes, and stalled denuclearisation talks after Kim's failed second summit with US President Donald Trump. Pyongyang has stepped up criticism against Seoul and Washington in recent months for their joint military drills and the South's purchase of US weapons designed to fend off North Korean threats. "North Korea now considers summits without payment for co-operation as empty diplomacy that merely helps Moon and Trump raise domestic political support," said Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

North Korea says 'pointless' for Kim to attend South Korea ASEAN summit

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday held bilateral meetings with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono and the United States Secretary of Defence Mark T Esper on sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). 
 
"Had a wonderful interaction with Japan's Minister of Defence, Mr&nbsp;Taro Kono. We had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation," Singh tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had a wonderful interaction with Japan’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Taro Kono. 
 
We had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/WaiTt6GPTI">pic.twitter.com/WaiTt6GPTI</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1195927720183529473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The ADMM-Plus meeting will witness the participation of defence ministers from ASEAN member countries and eight other nations. The ministers would gather and discuss the way forward for security cooperation in this meeting. 
 
Prior to this, Singh also had a fruitful discussion with Esper over boosting defence cooperation between India and the US as well as the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
"Had an excellent meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-meets-mark-esper-on-the-sidelines-of-admm-plus-meeting-in-bangkok-262660">US Secretary of Defence, Dr&nbsp;Mark T Esper</a> in Bangkok today. We talked about ways to expand defence cooperation between India and the United States," Singh said. 
 
"Productive discussion today with Indian MinDef Rajnath Singh on opportunities and challenges in the #IndoPacific. As the largest democracy in the world, India is a major defence partner and has an essential role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region," Esper tweeted. 
 
Singh, earlier today, told that the ASEAN cooperation forms a central point in India's Act East policy. 
 
He said that the forum will provide an opportunity to deliberate on sustainable security, terrorism and coastal security. 
 
"Security can only be successful if it is sustainable," the minister stressed. 
 
Later today, Singh will also inaugurate the India pavilion at the Defence and Security Exhibition in Bangkok. He will address the business seminar and interact with the industry representatives. 
 
As part of the agenda for the ADMM Plus meeting, Singh will also release the Handbook on Military Medicine for ASEAN along with the Defence Minister of Myanmar. 
 
A courtesy call with&nbsp;the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha will also take place during the visit.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday held bilateral meetings with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono and the United States Secretary of Defence Mark T Esper on sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday held bilateral meetings with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono and the United States Secretary of Defence Mark T Esper on sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). "Had a wonderful interaction with Japan's Minister of Defence, Mr Taro Kono. We had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation," Singh tweeted. Had a wonderful interaction with Japan’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Taro Kono. We had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation. pic.twitter.com/WaiTt6GPTI — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 17, 2019 × The ADMM-Plus meeting will witness the participation of defence ministers from ASEAN member countries and eight other nations. The ministers would gather and discuss the way forward for security cooperation in this meeting. Prior to this, Singh also had a fruitful discussion with Esper over boosting defence cooperation between India and the US as well as the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. "Had an excellent meeting with US Secretary of Defence, Dr Mark T Esper in Bangkok today. We talked about ways to expand defence cooperation between India and the United States," Singh said. "Productive discussion today with Indian MinDef Rajnath Singh on opportunities and challenges in the #IndoPacific. As the largest democracy in the world, India is a major defence partner and has an essential role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region," Esper tweeted. Singh, earlier today, told that the ASEAN cooperation forms a central point in India's Act East policy. He said that the forum will provide an opportunity to deliberate on sustainable security, terrorism and coastal security. "Security can only be successful if it is sustainable," the minister stressed. Later today, Singh will also inaugurate the India pavilion at the Defence and Security Exhibition in Bangkok. He will address the business seminar and interact with the industry representatives. As part of the agenda for the ADMM Plus meeting, Singh will also release the Handbook on Military Medicine for ASEAN along with the Defence Minister of Myanmar. A courtesy call with the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha will also take place during the visit.

Rajnath Singh holds bilateral meetings with Japan, US at ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus in Bangkok

The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the United States Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper on the sidelines of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) on Sunday.

Singh, who arrived in Bangkok on Friday with a delegation, was received by Air Chief marshal Chewchan Ruddit, Special Advisor to the office of the Permanent Secretary for Defense, MoD Thailand.

"The defence cooperation between ASEAN and India has its own importance. I want to appreciate Thailand for hosting and chairing this summit. I am sure that we will be having a very fruitful discussion and it will be beneficial for all the ASEAN member countries", Singh said in Bangkok.

Additionally, he expressed the desire to talk about sustainable security.&nbsp; 
 
"Security can only be successful if it is sustainable," the minister added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Thailand: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper held a bilateral meeting in Bangkok today. <a href="https://t.co/PwVhMdDCTf">pic.twitter.com/PwVhMdDCTf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1195887952611557376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The delegation also plans to address concerns regarding terrorism, disaster management, and coastal security. According to Singh, cooperation with ASEAN is key to the success of India's Act East policy.

"The summit will also help in building strategic trust between the leaders of the Asia Pacific through proper communication. Also, cooperation between the militaries of the ASEAN member countries will be strengthened," Singh added.

Besides attending bilateral meetings, Singh is expected to inaugurate the India pavilion at the Defence and Security Exhibition in Bangkok, where he will also address the business seminar and interact with industry representatives.&nbsp;

ADMM Plus' key agenda includes unveiling the Handbook on Military Medicine for ASEAN, which will be released by Singh alongside the Defence Minister of Myanmar.

In addition, Singh will also speak to the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha during the visit.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the United States Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper on the sidelines of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) on Sunday.

The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the United States Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper on the sidelines of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) on Sunday. Singh, who arrived in Bangkok on Friday with a delegation, was received by Air Chief marshal Chewchan Ruddit, Special Advisor to the office of the Permanent Secretary for Defense, MoD Thailand. "The defence cooperation between ASEAN and India has its own importance. I want to appreciate Thailand for hosting and chairing this summit. I am sure that we will be having a very fruitful discussion and it will be beneficial for all the ASEAN member countries", Singh said in Bangkok. Additionally, he expressed the desire to talk about sustainable security. "Security can only be successful if it is sustainable," the minister added. Thailand: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper held a bilateral meeting in Bangkok today. pic.twitter.com/PwVhMdDCTf — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2019 × The delegation also plans to address concerns regarding terrorism, disaster management, and coastal security. According to Singh, cooperation with ASEAN is key to the success of India's Act East policy. "The summit will also help in building strategic trust between the leaders of the Asia Pacific through proper communication. Also, cooperation between the militaries of the ASEAN member countries will be strengthened," Singh added. Besides attending bilateral meetings, Singh is expected to inaugurate the India pavilion at the Defence and Security Exhibition in Bangkok, where he will also address the business seminar and interact with industry representatives. ADMM Plus' key agenda includes unveiling the Handbook on Military Medicine for ASEAN, which will be released by Singh alongside the Defence Minister of Myanmar. In addition, Singh will also speak to the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha during the visit. (With inputs from ANI)

Rajnath Singh meets Mark Esper on the sidelines of ADMM Plus meeting in Bangkok

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home.

The detention came as Sam Rainsy, the founder of the opposition party, prepared to fly from Paris to Bangkok, vowing to return to Cambodia on Saturday to lead demonstrations against the one-party rule of longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen.

It was unclear if any of the opposition figures abroad would reach Cambodia. Thailand has said it will not allow transit for Sam Rainsy, and Malaysia this week detained two other opposition leaders who were trying to fly to Thailand.

A dual US-Cambodian citizen and former women's minister, Mu Sochua, 65, is vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and one of the highest-profile opposition leaders detained in Hun Sen's efforts to prevent their return.

Thailand had denied her entry.

On Wednesday, she held a news conference in Indonesia to denounce a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, who have arrested dozens of opposition activists at home and deployed troops along the borders ahead of the leaders' planned return.

"What do they fear?" she asked. "They totally fear the determination of the people of Cambodia, who are responding positively to our appeal, which is that together we will build a better Cambodia."

Sochua later flew to Malaysia, only to be detained. She was being held at the airport in its capital, said Jerald Joseph, an official of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission.

Joseph said he had spoken with Sochua, who had been told she would not be deported to Cambodia. It was not immediately clear where authorities would send her next.

Malaysia's immigration department did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Sochua had fled Cambodia in 2017 under threat of arrest amid a mass crackdown on the opposition. The party's leader, Kem Sokha, was arrested on treason charges and remains under house arrest. The Supreme Court later dissolved the CNRP.

Sochua's news conference in the Indonesian capital was interrupted by the Cambodian ambassador, who urged that she should not be given a forum.

The Cambodian embassy asked Indonesia, as a fellow member of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-discusses-sustainable-development-with-asean-leaders-259811">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN) grouping, to detain her.

The embassy sought her deportation to Cambodia "in the true spirit of ASEAN," it said in a statement, adding that similar requests had been made to neighbouring countries.

Instead, Sochua flew to Malaysia, where she said she knew she could also be arrested.

"They will follow me, they will follow us, all the way," she said on Wednesday.

Sochua has been charged in a plot to topple the Cambodian government, national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said.

"There is an arrest warrant for her, we really want her but we don't know what is Malaysia's position," he added.

Sochua's detention in Malaysia is unacceptable, said New York-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-report-on-uighurs-full-of-prejudice-says-china-164872">Human Rights Watch (HRW)</a>.

"She's done nothing wrong and should be immediately released and allowed to undertake the consultations she planned with the Malaysia government and civil society groups," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia.

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home.

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home. The detention came as Sam Rainsy, the founder of the opposition party, prepared to fly from Paris to Bangkok, vowing to return to Cambodia on Saturday to lead demonstrations against the one-party rule of longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen. It was unclear if any of the opposition figures abroad would reach Cambodia. Thailand has said it will not allow transit for Sam Rainsy, and Malaysia this week detained two other opposition leaders who were trying to fly to Thailand. A dual US-Cambodian citizen and former women's minister, Mu Sochua, 65, is vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and one of the highest-profile opposition leaders detained in Hun Sen's efforts to prevent their return. Thailand had denied her entry. On Wednesday, she held a news conference in Indonesia to denounce a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, who have arrested dozens of opposition activists at home and deployed troops along the borders ahead of the leaders' planned return. "What do they fear?" she asked. "They totally fear the determination of the people of Cambodia, who are responding positively to our appeal, which is that together we will build a better Cambodia." Sochua later flew to Malaysia, only to be detained. She was being held at the airport in its capital, said Jerald Joseph, an official of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission. Joseph said he had spoken with Sochua, who had been told she would not be deported to Cambodia. It was not immediately clear where authorities would send her next. Malaysia's immigration department did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters. Sochua had fled Cambodia in 2017 under threat of arrest amid a mass crackdown on the opposition. The party's leader, Kem Sokha, was arrested on treason charges and remains under house arrest. The Supreme Court later dissolved the CNRP. Sochua's news conference in the Indonesian capital was interrupted by the Cambodian ambassador, who urged that she should not be given a forum. The Cambodian embassy asked Indonesia, as a fellow member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, to detain her. The embassy sought her deportation to Cambodia "in the true spirit of ASEAN," it said in a statement, adding that similar requests had been made to neighbouring countries. Instead, Sochua flew to Malaysia, where she said she knew she could also be arrested. "They will follow me, they will follow us, all the way," she said on Wednesday. Sochua has been charged in a plot to topple the Cambodian government, national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said. "There is an arrest warrant for her, we really want her but we don't know what is Malaysia's position," he added. Sochua's detention in Malaysia is unacceptable, said New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW). "She's done nothing wrong and should be immediately released and allowed to undertake the consultations she planned with the Malaysia government and civil society groups," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia.

Malaysia detains Cambodian opposition leader Mu Sochua

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 5th, 2019

By Mallika Singh

India on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asean-summit-india-decides-not-to-join-rcep-259919">pulled out of</a> the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. 
&nbsp; 
While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. 
&nbsp; 
India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”.

"The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-not-to-join-rcep-goes-against-countrys-core-interests-259904">Narendra Modi </a>said.

New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. &nbsp;

According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. 
&nbsp; 
With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States.

China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. &nbsp;

India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets.

The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia.

India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country.

India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product.

Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector.

Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year. 
&nbsp;

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”. "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States. China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets. The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia. India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country. India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product. Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector. Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year.

RCEP pull-out: India stands by reduced trade deficits, data localisation, and enhancing domestic markets

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross insisted Monday that his country remained "extremely engaged" with Asia despite Donald Trump skipping a regional leaders summit.

Ross and US national security advisor Robert O'Brien are the most senior members of the Washington delegation in Bangkok for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, also attended by Indian, South Korean and Japanese leaders.&nbsp;

Previous meetings have been attended by the president or vice president.

Trump is accused of retreating from the region after pulling out of a major Asia-Pacific trade pact almost immediately after taking office.&nbsp;

But Ross pushed back against criticism that America has turned its back on Asian allies.

"The Trump administration is extremely engaged in and fully committed to this region," he said at a business forum on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting Monday.&nbsp;

"We continue to negotiate trade deals with countries in this region."

At the US-ASEAN meeting later in the day, O'Brien addressed several Southeast Asian foreign ministers after some leaders failed to turn up.&nbsp;

Only the leaders of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos were in attendance, a departure from earlier ASEAN meetings over the weekend that heads-of-state were present for.&nbsp;

Trade disputes

Trump has railed against countries in Asia for building massive trade surpluses with the US and has vowed to pursue bilateral deals in the region in favour of sprawling pacts.

He signed a free trade agreement with Japan earlier this year and also renegotiated the terms of a trade deal with South Korea. &nbsp;

Soon after he took office Trump pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- which would have been the world's biggest free-trade pact -- calling the deal a "job killer". &nbsp;

It has since been reborn as a watered-down deal without the US, and another China-backed trade pact is now set to be the world's largest when it is signed.&nbsp;

The 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which could be finalised next year, includes 30 per cent of global GDP and half of the world's people.

It includes all 10 ASEAN states plus China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand -- notably excluding the US.

Washington remains locked in its bruising trade war with China, with both slides slapping tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods.&nbsp;

Ross said an agreement to row back some of those tariffs was "very far along".

Trump has said the deal could be soon signed with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, possibly in the US state of Iowa.&nbsp;

Trump attended the ASEAN summit in the Philippines in 2017 while Vice President Mike Pence appeared last year.

A senior White House official denied that Washington had snubbed this year's event, saying Trump and Pence are unavailable because they are "very engaged in campaigning" for a string of governors' races.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross insisted Monday that his country remained "extremely engaged" with Asia despite Donald Trump skipping a regional leaders summit.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross insisted Monday that his country remained "extremely engaged" with Asia despite Donald Trump skipping a regional leaders summit. Ross and US national security advisor Robert O'Brien are the most senior members of the Washington delegation in Bangkok for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, also attended by Indian, South Korean and Japanese leaders. Previous meetings have been attended by the president or vice president. Trump is accused of retreating from the region after pulling out of a major Asia-Pacific trade pact almost immediately after taking office. But Ross pushed back against criticism that America has turned its back on Asian allies. "The Trump administration is extremely engaged in and fully committed to this region," he said at a business forum on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting Monday. "We continue to negotiate trade deals with countries in this region." At the US-ASEAN meeting later in the day, O'Brien addressed several Southeast Asian foreign ministers after some leaders failed to turn up. Only the leaders of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos were in attendance, a departure from earlier ASEAN meetings over the weekend that heads-of-state were present for. Trade disputes Trump has railed against countries in Asia for building massive trade surpluses with the US and has vowed to pursue bilateral deals in the region in favour of sprawling pacts. He signed a free trade agreement with Japan earlier this year and also renegotiated the terms of a trade deal with South Korea. Soon after he took office Trump pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- which would have been the world's biggest free-trade pact -- calling the deal a "job killer". It has since been reborn as a watered-down deal without the US, and another China-backed trade pact is now set to be the world's largest when it is signed. The 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which could be finalised next year, includes 30 per cent of global GDP and half of the world's people. It includes all 10 ASEAN states plus China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand -- notably excluding the US. Washington remains locked in its bruising trade war with China, with both slides slapping tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods. Ross said an agreement to row back some of those tariffs was "very far along". Trump has said the deal could be soon signed with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, possibly in the US state of Iowa. Trump attended the ASEAN summit in the Philippines in 2017 while Vice President Mike Pence appeared last year. A senior White House official denied that Washington had snubbed this year's event, saying Trump and Pence are unavailable because they are "very engaged in campaigning" for a string of governors' races.

US says 'extremely engaged' in Asia after Trump skips ASEAN meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday outlined "global challenges facing the world today and highlighted the need for working together to find common solutions," informed Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. 
 
"Attaching priority to an important confidence-building mechanism. PM Narendra Modi participates at the 14th EAS 2019, his 6th since assuming office. PM outlined global challenges facing the world today and highlighted that the need for working together to find common solutions," Raveesh Kumar wrote on his Twitter handle. 
&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Attaching priority to an important confidence building mechanism. 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> participates at the 14th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EAS2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EAS2019</a>, his 6th since assuming office. PM outlined global challenges facing the world today &amp; highlighted that the need for working together to find common solutions. <a href="https://t.co/4YIJEe3T2E">pic.twitter.com/4YIJEe3T2E</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1191276704397848576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 
The agenda on the East Asia summit is to review the future direction of East Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues. 
 
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had a luncheon with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to discuss the issue of sustainable development. 
 
Modi also met his Japanese counterpart and welcomed the inaugural 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, which will take place later this month in India. 
 
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to attend the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations, which are ongoing in Bangkok currently. 
 
Modi is also slated to attend several bilaterals including with Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Australia PrimeMinister Scott Morrison.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday outlined "global challenges facing the world today and highlighted the need for working together to find common solutions," informed Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday outlined "global challenges facing the world today and highlighted the need for working together to find common solutions," informed Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "Attaching priority to an important confidence-building mechanism. PM Narendra Modi participates at the 14th EAS 2019, his 6th since assuming office. PM outlined global challenges facing the world today and highlighted that the need for working together to find common solutions," Raveesh Kumar wrote on his Twitter handle. Attaching priority to an important confidence building mechanism. PM @narendramodi participates at the 14th #EAS2019, his 6th since assuming office. PM outlined global challenges facing the world today & highlighted that the need for working together to find common solutions. pic.twitter.com/4YIJEe3T2E — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 4, 2019 The agenda on the East Asia summit is to review the future direction of East Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had a luncheon with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to discuss the issue of sustainable development. Modi also met his Japanese counterpart and welcomed the inaugural 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, which will take place later this month in India. Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to attend the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations, which are ongoing in Bangkok currently. Modi is also slated to attend several bilaterals including with Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Australia PrimeMinister Scott Morrison.

PM Modi calls on world to collaboratively solve common challenges

Vietnamese envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has backed New Delhi at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rcep-meet-piyush-goyal-meets-australian-counterpart-holds-discussions-on-trade-issues-255400">RCEP</a> saying his country would like to see 16 countries in the mega trade pact. Vietnam will be the chair of ASEAN next year when the RCEP trade deal is expected to be signed. &nbsp;Chau also spoke about high-level visits between the two countries and increased air connectivity between the two countries.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the ties between the two countries?

Pham Sanh Chau: This month we had two high-level visits. The first deputy minister of public security which is a minister of state level, he came at the invitation of his counterpart and we discussed all matters related to security and towards the end of the month, chief of the general staff of defence visited.&nbsp;

Security and defence are the key cooperation between Vietnam and India and it reflects the mutual trust between the two countries.

WION: How do you see the people-to-people ties increasing?

Pham Sanh Chau: We are very pleased that Indigo started direct flights between Hanoi and Kolkota and Ho Chi Min and in December Vietjet Air will start direct flights between Delhi and Ho Chi Min city. We see a substantial increase in passengers and an increase in the number of visitors from Vietnam and into Vietnam will increase.

WION: How do you see RCEP negotiations panning out?

Pham Sanh Chau: I hope all the countries concerned will be able to address their differences in order to soon sign the agreement. The agreement is very important because it will be in the interests of the countries concerned. We keep our fingers crossed and hope under the Vietnam-ASEAN chairmanship and Vietnam EAS chairmanship, we will be able to witness the signing of the document.&nbsp;

WION: As the chair of ASEAN next year, how do you see RCEP talks panning out&nbsp;since the deal is now expected to be signed next week?

Pham Sanh Chau: We hope when we hold the chair of ASEAN, number one, if everyone agrees, we can declare the completion of the negotiations and that will be fantastic. Secondly, leaders can then basically conclude all negotiations and technical issues that require some time to be addressed and finally the negotiations need to be carried out next year under Vietnamese chairmanship.

WION: And you will be back in New Delhi for RCEP...

Pham Sanh Chau: We hope RCEP will include all the 16 countries because we believe it is in the interest of all the countries concerned but it is also important for peace and security in the region.&nbsp;

WION: How do see the situation in the South China Sea?

Pham Sanh Chau: As clearly stated in the ASEAN summit by my prime minister, we hope that the serious incident that took place in the waters of Vietnam will not happen again.

WION: And your take on the Delhi pollution?

Pham Sanh Chau: I think this is a matter not only of India and Delhi and pollution is a matter for many countries as well.

I understand the genuine concerns of my colleague in the diplomatic community but for me it is okay. I see the weather is nice except the fact we should not go out.

I feel more comfortable with the heat in summer and of course, we have come up with measures like air purifiers. So for the Vietnamese people it is not a big issue.

Vietnamese envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has backed New Delhi at RCEP saying his country would like to see 16 countries in the mega trade pact. Vietnam will be the chair of ASEAN next year when the RCEP trade deal is expected to be signed.

Vietnamese envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has backed New Delhi at RCEP saying his country would like to see 16 countries in the mega trade pact. Vietnam will be the chair of ASEAN next year when the RCEP trade deal is expected to be signed. Chau also spoke about high-level visits between the two countries and increased air connectivity between the two countries. WION: How do you see the ties between the two countries? Pham Sanh Chau: This month we had two high-level visits. The first deputy minister of public security which is a minister of state level, he came at the invitation of his counterpart and we discussed all matters related to security and towards the end of the month, chief of the general staff of defence visited. Security and defence are the key cooperation between Vietnam and India and it reflects the mutual trust between the two countries. WION: How do you see the people-to-people ties increasing? Pham Sanh Chau: We are very pleased that Indigo started direct flights between Hanoi and Kolkota and Ho Chi Min and in December Vietjet Air will start direct flights between Delhi and Ho Chi Min city. We see a substantial increase in passengers and an increase in the number of visitors from Vietnam and into Vietnam will increase. WION: How do you see RCEP negotiations panning out? Pham Sanh Chau: I hope all the countries concerned will be able to address their differences in order to soon sign the agreement. The agreement is very important because it will be in the interests of the countries concerned. We keep our fingers crossed and hope under the Vietnam-ASEAN chairmanship and Vietnam EAS chairmanship, we will be able to witness the signing of the document. WION: As the chair of ASEAN next year, how do you see RCEP talks panning out since the deal is now expected to be signed next week? Pham Sanh Chau: We hope when we hold the chair of ASEAN, number one, if everyone agrees, we can declare the completion of the negotiations and that will be fantastic. Secondly, leaders can then basically conclude all negotiations and technical issues that require some time to be addressed and finally the negotiations need to be carried out next year under Vietnamese chairmanship. WION: And you will be back in New Delhi for RCEP... Pham Sanh Chau: We hope RCEP will include all the 16 countries because we believe it is in the interest of all the countries concerned but it is also important for peace and security in the region. WION: How do see the situation in the South China Sea? Pham Sanh Chau: As clearly stated in the ASEAN summit by my prime minister, we hope that the serious incident that took place in the waters of Vietnam will not happen again. WION: And your take on the Delhi pollution? Pham Sanh Chau: I think this is a matter not only of India and Delhi and pollution is a matter for many countries as well. I understand the genuine concerns of my colleague in the diplomatic community but for me it is okay. I see the weather is nice except the fact we should not go out. I feel more comfortable with the heat in summer and of course, we have come up with measures like air purifiers. So for the Vietnamese people it is not a big issue.

Vietnam backs India at RCEP; says want trade deal with all 16 countries

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday held their first talks for more than a year on the sidelines of a regional summit in Thailand, Moon's office said, with the neighbours' relationship in dire straits.

Ties between Seoul and Tokyo -- both of them US allies facing the twin challenges of nuclear-armed North Korea and an increasingly assertive China -- are at rock-bottom over a dispute related to Japan's use of forced labour during World War II, with the countries trading retaliatory sanctions.

Moon and Abe held a "very friendly and serious" dialogue that lasted 11 minutes on the sidelines of the ASEAN Plus Three summit in Bangkok, Ko Min-jung, the South's presidential spokeswoman, told reporters.

But she gave no indication of any concrete outcomes.

"The two leaders agreed on the view that Korea-Japan ties were important and reaffirmed the principle that bilateral issues should be resolved through dialogue," she said.

Moon proposed they review a higher-level meeting if necessary, to which Abe responded that the neighbours should try to find a solution by using "every available means", Ko said.

The meeting -- their first one-on-one in 13 months -- comes after Moon did not attend the coronation of the new Japanese emperor Naruhito last month, but sent the prime minister in his place, bearing a letter to Abe.

South Korean courts have made a series of rulings against Japanese firms in recent months in cases stemming from historical issues.

In July, Japan tightened export controls on three chemicals essential to key products made by South Korean firms including Samsung. Seoul has retaliated with its own trade measures and announcing the termination of a military information-sharing agreement.

Tokyo says its decision was made on national security grounds, but the move was widely seen as a response to the compensation rulings.

Japan says all reparations claims from its 35-year colonial rule were settled under a 1965 treaty and an associated economic agreement made as the countries normalised relations.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday held their first talks for more than a year on the sidelines of a regional summit in Thailand, Moon's office said, with the neighbours' relationship in dire straits.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday held their first talks for more than a year on the sidelines of a regional summit in Thailand, Moon's office said, with the neighbours' relationship in dire straits. Ties between Seoul and Tokyo -- both of them US allies facing the twin challenges of nuclear-armed North Korea and an increasingly assertive China -- are at rock-bottom over a dispute related to Japan's use of forced labour during World War II, with the countries trading retaliatory sanctions. Moon and Abe held a "very friendly and serious" dialogue that lasted 11 minutes on the sidelines of the ASEAN Plus Three summit in Bangkok, Ko Min-jung, the South's presidential spokeswoman, told reporters. But she gave no indication of any concrete outcomes. "The two leaders agreed on the view that Korea-Japan ties were important and reaffirmed the principle that bilateral issues should be resolved through dialogue," she said. Moon proposed they review a higher-level meeting if necessary, to which Abe responded that the neighbours should try to find a solution by using "every available means", Ko said. The meeting -- their first one-on-one in 13 months -- comes after Moon did not attend the coronation of the new Japanese emperor Naruhito last month, but sent the prime minister in his place, bearing a letter to Abe. South Korean courts have made a series of rulings against Japanese firms in recent months in cases stemming from historical issues. In July, Japan tightened export controls on three chemicals essential to key products made by South Korean firms including Samsung. Seoul has retaliated with its own trade measures and announcing the termination of a military information-sharing agreement. Tokyo says its decision was made on national security grounds, but the move was widely seen as a response to the compensation rulings. Japan says all reparations claims from its 35-year colonial rule were settled under a 1965 treaty and an associated economic agreement made as the countries normalised relations.

Moon, Abe hold 'friendly' talks on ASEAN sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the luncheon meeting on Sustainable Development with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders amid the ongoing 35th ASEAN Summit here on Monday.

Later in the day, PM Modi is slated to participate in the 14th East Asian Summit.

Earlier, Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit and held a delegation-level meeting where they welcomed the increase in economic engagement between the two nations and reviewed the progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project previously signed by the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi will also attend the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations which are ongoing in Bangkok currently and will continue over the next few days.

RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Modi is also scheduled to attend several bilaterals including, the one with Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

After concluding the summit, Modi is scheduled to depart from Don Mueang International Airport Bangkok to Delhi at 10 pm (Local time).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the luncheon meeting on Sustainable Development with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders amid the ongoing 35th ASEAN Summit here on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the luncheon meeting on Sustainable Development with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders amid the ongoing 35th ASEAN Summit here on Monday. Later in the day, PM Modi is slated to participate in the 14th East Asian Summit. Earlier, Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit and held a delegation-level meeting where they welcomed the increase in economic engagement between the two nations and reviewed the progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project previously signed by the two countries. Prime Minister Modi will also attend the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations which are ongoing in Bangkok currently and will continue over the next few days. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Modi is also scheduled to attend several bilaterals including, the one with Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison. After concluding the summit, Modi is scheduled to depart from Don Mueang International Airport Bangkok to Delhi at 10 pm (Local time).

PM Modi discusses sustainable development with ASEAN leaders

Today is the last day of Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to Thailand for the ASEAN Summit, He met Japanese PM and held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of ASEAN.

Day 3: Indian PM Modi meets Japanese PM on the sidelines of ASEAN

PM Modi attends India-ASEAN summit for the 7th time. PM Modi co-chairs summit with Thailand's PM. Watch this video to find out more in details.

Bangkok: PM Modi co-chairs summit with Thailand's PM

During the meeting of PM Modi and Thailand's Prime Minister, PM Modi said that ASEAN is an integral part of Act East policy. Watch this video to find out more.

PM Modi: 'ASEAN is an integral part of Act East policy'

WION Exclusively speaks to Gurjit Singh, Former Ambassador of India to ASEAN on PM Modi's 3-day Thailand visit. Watch this video to listen to his perspective.

WION Exclusively speaks to Former Ambassador of India to ASEAN over Modi's 3-day Thai-visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong appeal to the business leaders to invest in India saying that this is the best time to be in the country.

"I am eager to give you a picture of some positive changes happening in India today. I say this with full confidence, this is the best time to be in India," PM said while speaking at an event here, where he outlined various endeavours of the government of India.

PM Modi spoke about India's improved position in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business (EODB) ranking and said, "Many things are rising while others are falling. Ease of doing business, ease of living, FDI, forest cover, patents, productivity are rising while taxes, tax rates, red-tapism, corruption, cronyism are falling. The corrupts are running for cover."

Modi also emphasised that India and Thailand have strong cultural linkages and said that commerce and culture have inherent powers to unite.

"For investment and easy business, come to India. To innovate and starting up, come to India. To experience some of the best tourist sites and warm hospitality of people, come to India. India awaits you with open arms", the Prime Minister told the business community leaders.

He also laid out his vision of making India a five trillion dollars economy and said that it will be achieved very soon.

"India is now pursuing a dream to become a $5 trillion economy. When my government took over in 2014, India's GDP was about $2 trillion. In 5 years, we increased it to nearly $3 trillion. This convinces me that dream of $5 trillion economy will soon be a reality," added PM Modi.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong appeal to the business leaders to invest in India saying that this is the best time to be in the country. "I am eager to give you a picture of some positive changes happening in India today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong appeal to the business leaders to invest in India saying that this is the best time to be in the country. "I am eager to give you a picture of some positive changes happening in India today. I say this with full confidence, this is the best time to be in India," PM said while speaking at an event here, where he outlined various endeavours of the government of India. PM Modi spoke about India's improved position in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business (EODB) ranking and said, "Many things are rising while others are falling. Ease of doing business, ease of living, FDI, forest cover, patents, productivity are rising while taxes, tax rates, red-tapism, corruption, cronyism are falling. The corrupts are running for cover." Modi also emphasised that India and Thailand have strong cultural linkages and said that commerce and culture have inherent powers to unite. "For investment and easy business, come to India. To innovate and starting up, come to India. To experience some of the best tourist sites and warm hospitality of people, come to India. India awaits you with open arms", the Prime Minister told the business community leaders. He also laid out his vision of making India a five trillion dollars economy and said that it will be achieved very soon. "India is now pursuing a dream to become a $5 trillion economy. When my government took over in 2014, India's GDP was about $2 trillion. In 5 years, we increased it to nearly $3 trillion. This convinces me that dream of $5 trillion economy will soon be a reality," added PM Modi.

This is the best time to invest in India, says Prime minister Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on 3-day Thailand visit. Today, Diplomatic engagements on agenda of Day 2. Watch this complete video and find out more on the agenda of PM Modi's Thailand visit.

PM Modi's 3-day Thailand visit: Diplomatic engagements on agenda of Day 2

Will India join massive trade agreement RCEP? So, What is RCEP and why the buzz around it. Watch the report

India ready to join RCEP bandwagon?

ASEAN Summit: PM Modi holds talks with Thai PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha

The signing of the world's largest trade pact will likely be kicked back to 2020, according to a draft statement by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-ready-to-work-with-asean-for-south-china-sea-peace-259624">Southeast Asian leaders</a>, delaying a deal craved by China to offset a painful tariff war with the US.

The 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) spans from India to New Zealand and includes 30 per cent of global GDP and half of the world's people.

Objections by India have dashed hopes of finalising the pact at this weekend's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Bangkok, where members of the 10-nation bloc have been joined by the premiers of India and China.

"Most market access negotiations have been completed and the few outstanding bilateral issues will be resolved by Feb 2020," said a draft agreement obtained by AFP.&nbsp;

Negotiations have sputtered for several years, but the statement said the text of all 20 chapters&nbsp;was now complete "pending the resolution of one" member, believed to be India. &nbsp;

But it said all members were "committed to sign the RCEP" next year in Vietnam, which will take over the ASEAN chair. &nbsp;

New Delhi is worried its small businesses will be hard hit by any flood of cheap Chinese goods creating "unsustainable trade deficits" -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview published by the Bangkok Post.

Beijing sees RCEP as a central pillar of its trade strategy for its Asian neighbourhood, and it is backed by the leaders of ASEAN and who represent a 650 million-strong market.

Concluding the deal has been made more pressing by the brutal tit-for-tat trade war with the US, which has chipped back at the growth in China, the world's second-largest economy.

RCEP,&nbsp;which includes the 10-nation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asean-leaders-hanker-for-trade-deal-as-economy-sags-due-to-united-states-china-spat-259534">ASEAN bloc</a> along with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand,&nbsp;accounts for 40 per cent of global commerce.

The tit-for-tat tariffs lobbed by the US and China on billions of dollars worth of goods could drag growth to the lowest rate in over a decade, according to the IMF.

US President Donald Trump said he hopes to sign a deal with China's Xi Jinping in order to roll back some of the tariffs, telling reporters over the weekend an agreement could be signed in the US state of Iowa.&nbsp;

Chinese premier Li Keqiang said earlier in the day his country remained "firmly committed to supporting ASEAN centrality" as part of its regional ties.

The signing of the world's largest trade pact will likely be kicked back to 2020, according to a draft statement by Southeast Asian leaders, delaying a deal craved by China to offset a painful tariff war with the US.

The signing of the world's largest trade pact will likely be kicked back to 2020, according to a draft statement by Southeast Asian leaders, delaying a deal craved by China to offset a painful tariff war with the US. The 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) spans from India to New Zealand and includes 30 per cent of global GDP and half of the world's people. Objections by India have dashed hopes of finalising the pact at this weekend's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Bangkok, where members of the 10-nation bloc have been joined by the premiers of India and China. "Most market access negotiations have been completed and the few outstanding bilateral issues will be resolved by Feb 2020," said a draft agreement obtained by AFP. Negotiations have sputtered for several years, but the statement said the text of all 20 chapters was now complete "pending the resolution of one" member, believed to be India. But it said all members were "committed to sign the RCEP" next year in Vietnam, which will take over the ASEAN chair. New Delhi is worried its small businesses will be hard hit by any flood of cheap Chinese goods creating "unsustainable trade deficits" -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview published by the Bangkok Post. Beijing sees RCEP as a central pillar of its trade strategy for its Asian neighbourhood, and it is backed by the leaders of ASEAN and who represent a 650 million-strong market. Concluding the deal has been made more pressing by the brutal tit-for-tat trade war with the US, which has chipped back at the growth in China, the world's second-largest economy. RCEP, which includes the 10-nation ASEAN bloc along with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, accounts for 40 per cent of global commerce. The tit-for-tat tariffs lobbed by the US and China on billions of dollars worth of goods could drag growth to the lowest rate in over a decade, according to the IMF. US President Donald Trump said he hopes to sign a deal with China's Xi Jinping in order to roll back some of the tariffs, telling reporters over the weekend an agreement could be signed in the US state of Iowa. Chinese premier Li Keqiang said earlier in the day his country remained "firmly committed to supporting ASEAN centrality" as part of its regional ties.

World's biggest trade deal to be delayed to 2020: Draft ASEAN statement

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had bilateral talks with President of Indonesia Joko Widodo today that is the second day of PM Modi's 3-day Visit of Thailand. Watch this video to find out more in details.

India-ASEAN Summit: PM Modi had bilateral talks with President of Indonesia Joko Widodo

WION Exclusively speaks to Vivek Katju, Former Ambassador of India to Thailand, Myanmar & Afghanistan over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 3-day Thailand visit and ASEAN-India summit. Watch this video to listen to his perspective.

WION Exclusively speaks to former ambassador of India to Thailand over ASEAN-India summit

WION Exclusively speaks to Brahma Chellaney, Professor for Strategic studies at Centre for Policy Research over ASEAN-India summit.

WION Exclusively speaks over ASEAN-India summit  to Brahma Chellaney, An analyst

Chinese phone giant Huawei said Sunday it was ready to roll out 5G infrastructure across Southeast Asia, dismissing US warnings its tech could be used to hoover up data for Beijing.

The firm has emerged as a key protagonist in the wider US-China trade war that has seen tit-for-tat tariffs imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods.

President Donald Trump's administration has warned Huawei's equipment could allow China to spy on other countries and has effectively blocked American companies from selling US technology to the firm.

But the company has repeatedly denied the accusations, saying it is the victim of tech envy.

Thailand and the Philippines have shrugged off the cybersecurity warnings in a rush to exploit the ultra-fast 5G network promised by China's biggest smartphone maker, while Vietnam has edged away from Huawei.

"China and the US now is in the trade war and also there is some kind of technology war (which) Huawei is very focused on at the moment," said Huawei vice-president Edward Zhou at the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) summit on Sunday.

"We are here to support the ASEAN (in) the development for the 5G."

Encompassing hundreds of millions of people, the 10-member bloc wants the next-level technology to help businesses, infrastructure and transport compete globally.

Host country Thailand has welcomed Huawei with open arms, allowing it to set up a testbed at a major university near the Thai capital.

A Huawei spokesperson previously told AFP it had invested $5 billion in the trials and has been invited to conduct similar tests in other Southeast Asian markets.

Elsewhere the Philippines' Globe Telecom said this summer it was launching Southeast Asia's first 5G broadband service using Huawei technology.&nbsp;

Both Thailand and the Philippines are historic US allies and some see the tangle over 5G as a challenge of influence between the two powers.

But not all countries have been eager to sign up.

Vietnam has quietly sided with the US on the issue, shunning the Chinese firm in favour of alternative providers for 5G technology, including Ericsson and Nokia.&nbsp;

The country's military-owned telecoms giant Viettel hopes to be the first to roll out 5G in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and has said it plans to do so without Huawei, citing security concerns. &nbsp;

Zhou reiterated past statements by the company brushing aside the US claims.

"There is not any cybersecurity issues for us. There is no evidence for the US to say that," he said.

Chinese phone giant Huawei said Sunday it was ready to roll out 5G infrastructure across Southeast Asia, dismissing US warnings its tech could be used to hoover up data for Beijing.

Chinese phone giant Huawei said Sunday it was ready to roll out 5G infrastructure across Southeast Asia, dismissing US warnings its tech could be used to hoover up data for Beijing. The firm has emerged as a key protagonist in the wider US-China trade war that has seen tit-for-tat tariffs imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods. President Donald Trump's administration has warned Huawei's equipment could allow China to spy on other countries and has effectively blocked American companies from selling US technology to the firm. But the company has repeatedly denied the accusations, saying it is the victim of tech envy. Thailand and the Philippines have shrugged off the cybersecurity warnings in a rush to exploit the ultra-fast 5G network promised by China's biggest smartphone maker, while Vietnam has edged away from Huawei. "China and the US now is in the trade war and also there is some kind of technology war (which) Huawei is very focused on at the moment," said Huawei vice-president Edward Zhou at the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) summit on Sunday. "We are here to support the ASEAN (in) the development for the 5G." Encompassing hundreds of millions of people, the 10-member bloc wants the next-level technology to help businesses, infrastructure and transport compete globally. Host country Thailand has welcomed Huawei with open arms, allowing it to set up a testbed at a major university near the Thai capital. A Huawei spokesperson previously told AFP it had invested $5 billion in the trials and has been invited to conduct similar tests in other Southeast Asian markets. Elsewhere the Philippines' Globe Telecom said this summer it was launching Southeast Asia's first 5G broadband service using Huawei technology. Both Thailand and the Philippines are historic US allies and some see the tangle over 5G as a challenge of influence between the two powers. But not all countries have been eager to sign up. Vietnam has quietly sided with the US on the issue, shunning the Chinese firm in favour of alternative providers for 5G technology, including Ericsson and Nokia. The country's military-owned telecoms giant Viettel hopes to be the first to roll out 5G in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and has said it plans to do so without Huawei, citing security concerns. Zhou reiterated past statements by the company brushing aside the US claims. "There is not any cybersecurity issues for us. There is no evidence for the US to say that," he said.

Huawei pushes 5G in Southeast Asia, brushing off 'tech war' with US

China is ready to work with Southeast Asian countries for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, Chinese premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday after meeting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

China's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea are rejected by several members of ASEAN, which have competing claims in the busy waterway.

At the summit in Bangkok, Li cited progress on a long-awaited South China Sea code of conduct, due for completion within three years.

“We are willing to work with ASEAN, under the consensus that had been reached, to sustain long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the timetable set for three years,” Li said in a statement.

A legally binding code has long been a goal for ASEAN members sparring over what they see as China's disregard of sovereign rights and its obstruction of their energy exploration and fishing.

China is ready to work with Southeast Asian countries for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, Chinese premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday after meeting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

China is ready to work with Southeast Asian countries for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, Chinese premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday after meeting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea are rejected by several members of ASEAN, which have competing claims in the busy waterway. At the summit in Bangkok, Li cited progress on a long-awaited South China Sea code of conduct, due for completion within three years. “We are willing to work with ASEAN, under the consensus that had been reached, to sustain long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the timetable set for three years,” Li said in a statement. A legally binding code has long been a goal for ASEAN members sparring over what they see as China's disregard of sovereign rights and its obstruction of their energy exploration and fishing.

China says ready to work with ASEAN for South China Sea peace

Southeast Asian countries must stick together in the face of a trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysia's veteran leader said on Saturday at the start of a regional summit held in the shadow of US-China tensions.

But as leaders of the 10 member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Bangkok, there was no sign they had yet finalized a planned trade deal backed by China that could create the world's biggest free trade area.

"We don't want to go into a trade war. But sometimes when they’re not nice to us, we will not be nice to them," Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's outspoken 94-year-old prime minister told a business summit on the sidelines of the main meeting.

In an obvious reference to Trump, whose administration began raising tariffs on Chinese imports with the goal of reducing the US&nbsp;trade deficit, Mahathir said: "If the person is not there, maybe there will be a change."

A draft final statement for the ASEAN summit seen by Reuters said the leaders would express "deep concern over the rising trade tensions and on-going protectionist and anti-globalization sentiments."

Trade would be the main topic, diplomats said, with little discussion expected on perennial regional problems such as maritime disputes with China over the South China Sea and the plight of Rohingya refugees driven from Myanmar.

“We want global economic peace," said Arin Jira, chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, a body set up by member states.

Export reliant Southeast Asian states are at the sharp end of the trade war, with growth expected to slow to its lowest in five years this year. They are also worried about increasing Chinese influence in a region whose population of more than 620 million is still less than half of China's.

Downgrade

The United States, an important trade partner, is sending a delegation to the meetings. But the downgrading of its delegation compared to those in previous years and to those of other countries has concerned those who saw Washington as a security counterweight to Beijing.

Instead of President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, the United States will be represented by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. China is sending its premier, Li Keqiang.

"This signals that the US&nbsp;is a lesser player in our area," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, former Thai foreign minister told Reuters.

Southeast Asian states had hoped to make progress towards finalising the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - comprising 16 countries that account for a third of global gross domestic product and nearly half the world’s population.

But that was unclear after a scheduled news conference was cancelled late on Friday. A major sticking point has been demands from India, which is worried about a potential flood of Chinese imports.

"The finalization of the RCEP negotiation has become a key test for ASEAN's capacity to deliver on its often-cited centrality," Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, told Reuters.

Human rights groups said they did not expect the Southeast Asian countries would do much to address problems such as the Rohingya refugees or discuss questions such as the growing authoritarianism in some member states.

“ASEAN will go far. ASEAN will endure," was the jingle played repeatedly on the conference sound system. “Our neighbourhood becomes a brotherhood,” it said.

&nbsp;

Southeast Asian countries must stick together in the face of a trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysia's veteran leader said on Saturday at the start of a regional summit held in the shadow of US-China tensions.

Southeast Asian countries must stick together in the face of a trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysia's veteran leader said on Saturday at the start of a regional summit held in the shadow of US-China tensions. But as leaders of the 10 member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Bangkok, there was no sign they had yet finalized a planned trade deal backed by China that could create the world's biggest free trade area. "We don't want to go into a trade war. But sometimes when they’re not nice to us, we will not be nice to them," Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's outspoken 94-year-old prime minister told a business summit on the sidelines of the main meeting. In an obvious reference to Trump, whose administration began raising tariffs on Chinese imports with the goal of reducing the US trade deficit, Mahathir said: "If the person is not there, maybe there will be a change." A draft final statement for the ASEAN summit seen by Reuters said the leaders would express "deep concern over the rising trade tensions and on-going protectionist and anti-globalization sentiments." Trade would be the main topic, diplomats said, with little discussion expected on perennial regional problems such as maritime disputes with China over the South China Sea and the plight of Rohingya refugees driven from Myanmar. “We want global economic peace," said Arin Jira, chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, a body set up by member states. Export reliant Southeast Asian states are at the sharp end of the trade war, with growth expected to slow to its lowest in five years this year. They are also worried about increasing Chinese influence in a region whose population of more than 620 million is still less than half of China's. Downgrade The United States, an important trade partner, is sending a delegation to the meetings. But the downgrading of its delegation compared to those in previous years and to those of other countries has concerned those who saw Washington as a security counterweight to Beijing. Instead of President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, the United States will be represented by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. China is sending its premier, Li Keqiang. "This signals that the US is a lesser player in our area," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, former Thai foreign minister told Reuters. Southeast Asian states had hoped to make progress towards finalising the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - comprising 16 countries that account for a third of global gross domestic product and nearly half the world’s population. But that was unclear after a scheduled news conference was cancelled late on Friday. A major sticking point has been demands from India, which is worried about a potential flood of Chinese imports. "The finalization of the RCEP negotiation has become a key test for ASEAN's capacity to deliver on its often-cited centrality," Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, told Reuters. Human rights groups said they did not expect the Southeast Asian countries would do much to address problems such as the Rohingya refugees or discuss questions such as the growing authoritarianism in some member states. “ASEAN will go far. ASEAN will endure," was the jingle played repeatedly on the conference sound system. “Our neighbourhood becomes a brotherhood,” it said.

Southeast Asian leaders meet under US-China trade war cloud

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to Thailand on Saturday morning to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits.

Besides attending the meetings, Modi is scheduled to address the `Sawasdee PM Modi` community programme in Bangkok today.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister will also release a commemorative coin marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, as well as the release of a Thai translation of Tamil classic Tirukkural, news agency ANI reported quoting Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

On November 3, Modi will co-chair the 16th ASEAN-India summit with Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, on whose invitation he is visiting the country.

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The meeting will take stock of the progress made in the relationship between India and the ASEAN member countries, ANI report added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister will attend a special lunch hosted by the Thai Prime Minister for the leaders of the East Asian countries participating in the summit the following day. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will take part in the 14th East Asia summit.&nbsp;

The agenda of the meet would be to review the future direction of East Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues.&nbsp;

The member countries participating in the summit account for 54 per cent of the world`s population and 58 per cent of the world`s GDP.

Subsequently, Modi will take part in the RCEP summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations which are ongoing in Bangkok currently and will continue over the next few days.

On the sidelines of the three summits, the Prime Minister will also hold several bilaterals. He will return to New Delhi on the evening of November 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to Thailand on Saturday morning to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to Thailand on Saturday morning to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits. Besides attending the meetings, Modi is scheduled to address the `Sawasdee PM Modi` community programme in Bangkok today. The Indian Prime Minister will also release a commemorative coin marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, as well as the release of a Thai translation of Tamil classic Tirukkural, news agency ANI reported quoting Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On November 3, Modi will co-chair the 16th ASEAN-India summit with Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, on whose invitation he is visiting the country. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for a 3-day visit to Thailand. He will participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits, during the visit. pic.twitter.com/UmGsVHBMOV — ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2019 × The meeting will take stock of the progress made in the relationship between India and the ASEAN member countries, ANI report added. The Prime Minister will attend a special lunch hosted by the Thai Prime Minister for the leaders of the East Asian countries participating in the summit the following day. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will take part in the 14th East Asia summit. The agenda of the meet would be to review the future direction of East Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues. The member countries participating in the summit account for 54 per cent of the world`s population and 58 per cent of the world`s GDP. Subsequently, Modi will take part in the RCEP summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations which are ongoing in Bangkok currently and will continue over the next few days. On the sidelines of the three summits, the Prime Minister will also hold several bilaterals. He will return to New Delhi on the evening of November 4.

PM Modi embarks on 3-day Thailand visit, to address community programme in Bangkok today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the Indian diaspora in the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok. The prime minister said that he didn't feel as if he is in a foreign land. "The ambience, the attire, everything here makes me feel at home," PM Modi said.

Bangkok hosts 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event, PM Modi addresses Indian Diaspora

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on 3-day visit to Thailand. He interacted with the Indian diaspora during ‘Sawasdee PM Modi’ programme today. Prime Minister will also participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits during the visit.

Indian PM Modi: ASEAN summit is the key part of our Act East policy

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