Cambodia kicks off Asean summit as China and US vie for influence

Asean eaders pose for a group picture as they meet with representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) during the Asean Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia November 10, 2022. - Reuters

Phnom Penh, Nov 10 (dpa): With heightened security measures and banners crisscrossing city streets, Phnom Penh has kicked off its hosting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) summit on Thursday - the first time the event has been held face-to-face since the coronavirus pandemic.

As chair of the annual conference, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ​​is hosting the summit in the imposing Sokha Hotel from November 10 to 13 in Phnom Penh, under the theme "Asean A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together" to foster harmony, peace, and prosperity in the region.