The United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership at this year's ASEAN summit, Nikkei Asia reported Nov. 12. U.S. President Joe Biden also offered $860 million in financial assistance through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF); pledged continued freedom of navigation operations in disputed waters; and prodded leaders on the "rules based international order," rule of law, democracy and activist rights.