Mr Geithnerstressed that Chinahad joinedthe consensus among otherAsiannationsdespitecriticism fromBeijingthat the proposalswereareturn to "plannedeconomies".
Asean, which is the only high-level forum for security issues in Asia, has fallen into disarray this year as Cambodia, a close Beijing ally and the chairman of the organisation, has undermined efforts by the Philippines and Vietnam to form a consensus about how to respond to China's assertive stance.