Truly free Indo-Pacific vowed

United States President Donald Trump yesterday pledged to promote a strong, free, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region where countries are “in control of their own destinies” during the USAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Pasay City yesterday.

Trump extended his message of friendship and cooperation with the regional partners. "I’m here to advance peace, to promote security, and to work with you to achieve a truly free and open Indo-Pacific where we are proud and we have sovereign nations, and we thrive, and everyone wants to prosper,” Trump said in his remarks.

“We want our partners in the region to be strong, independent, and prosperous in control of their own destinies and satellites to no one. These are the principles behind our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Trump who has espoused his Indo-Pacific policy apparently to counter the growing clout of China in the region.

Trump also pushed for closer economic cooperation between the United States and the regional bloc, citing their robust economies and vibrant communities. “Today, we celebrate your incredible success and we also seek economic partnership on the basis of fairness and reciprocity,” he said.

Trump said since his November elections, American economic has been “moving ahead really brilliantly.” He highlighted the US record-high stock market performance and “lowest unemployment in 17 years.” He said the value of stocks has risen to $5.5 trillion.