World leaders attending back-to-back summits in the region are expected to continue talks on terrorism, climate change and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The dispute over the South China Sea is expected to be the focal point among leaders attending the Asean Summit. Southeast Asia (SEA) is experiencing strong economic growth and political stability, but with tensions rising between China and US over the South China Sea, maritime security is a critical issue. SMU School of Social Sciences Dean, Professor of Political Science and Special Advisor to the President on Greater China Initiatives Professor James Tang said there are concerns that if this is not properly managed, there could potentially be unintended consequences. Prof Tang said that there is a readjustment of influences in SEA, and if the dispute is not handled peacefully, the results could destabilise the region, turning it from a very prosperous and stable one into a region prone to conflicts. US President Barrack Obama has urged China to stop military activities and settle differences between Beijing and its SEA neighbours. The US has pledged to increase maritime security to protect its SEA allies.