The 35th Asean-related summits, which ended on Monday, saw the region's leaders display their magnanimity through collective leadership and common commitments for a stronger and more prosperous East Asia. The absence of US President Donald Trump was a blessing in disguise, since it meant the global media had to focus on the substance of their talks. These days, East Asian leaders are bolder and more willing to work together despite their domestic constraints and the longstanding bilateral disputes among them.

At the sprawling Impact Muang Thong Thani complex, the leaders were busy preparing for a new world order, one which the US is not taking seriously. Washington's decision to delegate a non-cabinet member, National Security adviser Robert C O'Brien, to attend the Asean summits was a big letdown. A few Asean diplomats even said it was an insult, even though Mr O'Brien was appointed as Mr Trump's special envoy.

www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1787389/east-asian-leadership-rises-in-bangkok