Southeast Asian foreign ministers and diplomats from key partners are gathering in Vientiane to discuss regional issues. The focus is on the civil war in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea, and other pressing matters.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are expected to hold talks on expanding influence in the region. ASEAN’s top priority is addressing the violence in Myanmar through a five-point consensus for peace, which the military has ignored.
Discussions will also cover broader issues like economy, security, and climate. As the situation in Myanmar worsens, humanitarian aid to the country will be a major topic of the talks.
With ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea, ASEAN aims to address China’s increasing assertiveness. A rare deal between China and the Philippines offers hope for peaceful resolutions in the region.
Overall, the ASEAN meetings in Laos are crucial for shaping regional policies and finding solutions to complex challenges.
Associated Press writer David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.
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