"Many countries have shown more interest in trading with Asean than in taking Burma?s generals to task for trampling on citizens? basic rights... The more pressing needs of economic growth in East Asia appear to be overriding the issue of pressuring the Burmese military junta to reform. Economic giants China and India are on the verge of finalizing free trade agreements (FTAs) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), to which Burma belongs, while both Australia and New Zealand have just formed closer trade pacts with the bloc..."