Asean drops India from regional community

PM IN SINGAPORE

China, Japan and South Korea agreed to work with the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations to open up regional trade, dropping a plan to include India, Australia and New Zealand. Leaders from the 13 nations said the so-called Asean Plus Three group "would remain the main vehicle towards the long-term goal of building" an Asian regional community, according to a statement released after a meeting today.

The statement makes no mention of the other three nations that will also attend tomorrow's East Asia Summit in Singapore.

Asean Secretary General Ong Keng Yong had earlier this year insisted that India, Australia and New Zealand would be included in plans to establish a free-trade zone covering all 16 nations who participate in the East Asia Summit.

Today's statement recognises China's demand that only Asean Plus Three countries should be included in the community.