The USA had originally hoped, through the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), to strengthen its ties with Asia and consolidate its leadership position. But in ASEAN's eyes the diplomatic signals sent out by President Clinton have been thoroughly confused.
美國原擬透過「亞太經合會」加強與亞洲的關係，並鞏固本身的領導地位；但柯林頓的外交訊息在東協眼中卻相當混淆。