Asean upgrades ties with China, calls Myanmar still very much part of the 'family'

Participants of the virtual Asean BIMP-EAGA Summit pose for a picture before the meeting, hosted by Asean Summit, Brunei, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei on October 28, 2021. - Reuters

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct 28 (Reuters): The Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) said on Thursday night (Oct 28) it has agreed with China to upgrade their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, a day after reaching a similar deal with Australia.

Australia's clinching of the enhanced partnership was a symbolic win for Canberra in beating China to the first such deal with the fast-growing Southeast Asia region, which has become a strategic battleground between Beijing and Washington.