Leaders of 16 Asian countries, including major polluters China and Japan, came to an agreement on climate change during a meeting on Wednesday, despite ongoing tensions over Myanmar's democracy protests. The declaration signed in Singapore by the leaders of the East Asia Summit (EAS) pledged to work towards stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the long term. Although the pact lacks specific targets for reducing emissions by a certain date, it will serve as a foundation for discussions on climate change at an upcoming UN conference in Bali. The EAS, consisting of 10 Southeast Asian nations along with China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, also emphasized the importance of all countries playing a role in addressing climate change based on their respective responsibilities and capabilities. When questioned about the absence of numerical targets in the declaration, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong explained that it was a statement of intent rather than a detailed treaty outlining specific restrictions. Australia stated that the agreement would facilitate negotiations for a replacement of the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations is optimistic that the Bali meeting will initiate discussions over a new global framework to combat climate change over the next two years. Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer noted a shift in China and India's stance on the issue, acknowledging the need to take action to stabilize emissions. Despite China and India's reluctance to commit to specific targets, they believe that developed nations should lead the way in reducing emissions and funding cleaner energy technologies. Downer expressed frustration over the lack of progress but acknowledged the challenges faced in reaching a consensus. Emmanuel Fages, a carbon analyst at French bank Societe Generale, stated that it is unrealistic to expect countries like China and India to be as proactive as Japan in addressing climate change. He emphasized the diversity of Asia and highlighted that the only specific target in the climate pact was related to increasing forest cover. Additionally, the challenge of promoting democracy in Myanmar dampened the celebrations of ASEAN's 40th anniversary. The Philippines stood apart from other members of the Association of South East Asian Nations by urging for the prompt release of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed strong disapproval of Suu Kyi's treatment and emphasized the need for her immediate release. Arroyo also stated that the Philippine Congress may not ratify the charter unless Myanmar demonstrates a commitment to democracy and releases Suu Kyi. The charter, which establishes ASEAN's legal identity and upholds principles of democracy and human rights, must be approved within a year after the signing on Tuesday. Singapore's Lee emphasized that all countries must ratify it for it to be implemented. He also criticized the ineffectiveness of Western sanctions on Myanmar, noting that the regime's isolation from the international community renders such measures futile. Lee highlighted that choosing not to do business in Myanmar has little impact on the regime's behavior.