The final hurdle appears to have been removed in Australia's bid to join the inaugural East Asia Summit, to be held under the auspices of Asean in Kuala Lumpur in December.
But the move seems to have more to do with US-China relations than any particular sympathy among Asean nations for Canberra's wish to be included.
Concerned about the increasing influence of China over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, US President George W. Bush has urged Australia to do whatever is necessary to win an invitation to the Malaysian meeting.
Australian newspapers yesterday reported that Mr Bush said he would be happy for Australia to join the summit and sign the so-called Treaty of Amity and Co-operation.
The Sydney Morning Herald said policymakers in Washington were concerned that the summit might strengthen China's influence in Asia.
Quoting a US official, the newspaper said 'it was in America's interest to have Australia and other US allies at the summit to counter China'.
The Australian said the US had 'expressed concern at China's growing influence over Asean ahead of a crucial Australian bid to join an Asean economic group'.
