Closer Look: Travels of Xi and Li Show Beijing Has New Approach to ASEAN

ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Brunei

Following fast on the heels of President Xi Jinping's recent trip to Indonesia and Malaysia, Premier Li Keqiang also showed up in Southeast Asia. He attended an East Asia leaders' meeting before visits to Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam.

It is rare in China's diplomatic history that its president and premier visit the same region within a short period, a sign of the growing importance of Southeast Asia in Beijing's current approach to foreign affairs.