US President Joe Biden has announced that the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will elevate their diplomatic ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” as Washington seeks to counter China’s influence in the region. Speaking at the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, Biden confirmed the strengthened partnership and also said he had requested $850 million of investment for new initiatives to “strengthen ASEAN and increase connectivity across South-East Asia.” “ASEAN is at the heart of my administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy. And we continue to strengthen our commitment,”…