ASEAN eyes neutral stance

Academics say Southeast Asian states value close ties with Beijing, Washington

Southeast Asian countries stress the importance of regional peace as well as the bloc maintaining neutrality in the face of increasingly tense relations between the United States and China, analysts said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has emphasized "ASEAN centrality"－advancing and implementing policies that are based on regional interest－at its 34th regional summit.

In a statement published on Saturday to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the regional bloc, Southeast Asian foreign ministers committed to "strengthening" ASEAN centrality.