US President Barack Obama will host a first ever leaders' summit between the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) today and tomorrow at Sunnylands in California. While the South China Sea disputes, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement and terrorism are expected to top the agenda, international public opinion has sensed the US desire to further contain China during the two-day gathering.

The Wall Street Journal said Obama is moving to boost US ties on China's doorstep "in a bid to coordinate American interests ranging from security to trade with a region increasingly sandwiched between Washington and Beijing." The Financial Times hypothesized using the summit, the US will "corral ASEAN support in the South China Sea spat."

Analysts believe the meeting is a major test and an opportunity to reap dividends for Washington's rebalance to Asia strategy. By hosting leaders from ASEAN at Sunnylands, a venue far away from these countries' geographic location, Washington might intend to create an impression that it has successfully driven a wedge between the organization and China.

Whether Obama will get his wish remains dubious. Over the years, Asia-Pacific countries have been relying on US security provisions, while at the same time depending on China for their economy. They seem to be keen on balancing themselves between the two in order to maximize their own benefits.

Economically, although the US has been trying to reduce ASEAN's dependence on China via promoting the TPP, the fact is that White House efforts pale in comparison to Beijing's accomplishments.

China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner since 2009, and bilateral trade volume surged to over $480 billion in 2014. The two are now aiming to elevate the volume to $1 trillion by 2020. Not only that, ASEAN is now developing closer economic and trade ties with China by joining the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, as well as the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. The US is currently the fourth-largest trading partner of ASEAN nations. If Washington wants to outrun China in this regard, it has a long way to go.

The US is rebalancing to Asia, yet no matter how close it is trying to get to ASEAN, it cannot be closer than China, which has helped drive ASEAN forward over the years. These nations are not so silly as to take sides or breach their ties with Beijing to embrace US strategy.