The diplomatic atmosphere is different now, Yeo said. The ice has melted appreciably, and the comfort level on both sides has gone up. There is a frankness which we associate with old friendships. Post-Cold War realities may have something to do with it. Cambodia will gain observer status at the Brunei meeting.
China is a key concern.
Even Vietnam has joined in the modernization drive. Despite recent improvements in Sino-Vietnam relations, Hanoi remains deeply suspicious of its northern neighbor, with which it fought a short border war in 1979. Chinese activity in the Spratlys has also alarmed Southeast Asians. The islands in the South China Sea and the potential petroleum riches that lie underneath are claimed in whole or part by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Manila recently challenged China over Beijing-built structures on tiny Mischief Reef and went so far as to destroy a number of Chinese markers in the area.