Sealing the changing perception of US engagement in Asean

THE leaders of the 10 Asean nations and US President Barack Obama are meeting for a special summit on Feb 15-16, 2016, in the California resort of Sunnylands. While a summit itself is nothing new - the US and Asean have had annual summits since 2013 - a summit in 2016 is of special significance, coming soon after the US and Asean decided to elevate their relationship to a strategic level.

Also, for the first time, it will be held on US soil, reflecting the Obama administration's serious commitment towards the newly established Asean Community.

Why does the upcoming summit seem to be a final seal to a series of efforts initiated during the Obama administration with regard to changing perceptions about America's engagement with the Asean region?