U.S. President Joe Biden (C) and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations pose for photos for the U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit on the South Lawn of the White House on May 12, 2022, in Washington. (Getty/Kyodo)

WASHINGTON - The leaders of the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Friday declared that they will elevate their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" later this year amid China's growing clout in the region.