15th East Asia Summit of Energy Ministers

In context

• Recently, the Minister of State for Power attended the 15th East Asia Summit of Energy Ministers that was held virtually.

About

• The Theme of the meeting was “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”.
• The meeting was aimed at coordinating efforts of ASEAN countries in pursuing the goal of energy security and energy transition.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

• India stated that ASEAN is a region of great importance for us. Engagement with ASEAN has been and will remain a critical element of India’s ‘Act East policy and strategy. 
  • Acting East is now a central element in India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
•  India discussed the energy transition plans, policies, challenges and efforts towards decarbonisation.

East Asia Summit(EAS)

About:

• The concept of East Asia Grouping was first promoted in 1991 by the then Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad. 
• Established in 2005, it is the Indo-Pacific’s premier forum for strategic dialogue. 
• It is the only leader-led forum at which all key partners meet to discuss political, security and economic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific.

Membership:

• Apart from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states, the East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia.
• ASEAN leads the forum, and the chair position rotates between the ASEAN Member States annually. 
• India is one of the founding members of the East Asia Summit.

Image Courtesy: Khmerization

Importance of East Asia:

• The eastern region of Asia consists of the Asian nations, Greater China (Greater China consists of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), Japan, Mongolia, North Korea and South Korea.
• Economic benefit: It represents nearly 50 per cent of the world’s population with 20 percent of global trade, and comprising 16 nations that are on a dynamic path of economic development.
• Regional Security: Considering tension on the Korean Peninsula, South China and in the Taiwan Strait, among others, it is vital for Japan, China and South Korea to maintain a common stance and to share a common concern for security in the East Asian region.
• Global Implications: An East Asia community would play a big role in instilling a sense of responsibility in Asian countries and in leading them jointly in contributing to the resolution of global issues.

Source: PIB