Top leaders from 18 Asia-Pacific countries convened in Laos for the East Asia Summit to address pressing issues such as Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, North Korea’s nuclear program, and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The meeting, which includes countries like Japan, China, India, the United States, and Russia, is expected to focus on the South China Sea disputes, where China’s actions have raised concerns among ASEAN members.
The U.S. State Department criticized China for coercing smaller nations with territorial claims in the South China Sea, urging for restraint.
Key figures attending the summit in Vientiane include Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Tensions between Western powers and China and Russia have heightened due to military activities in the East and South China seas and Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Washington has accused China of supporting Russia’s defense sector and called for China to refrain from such actions.
The East Asia Summit involves ASEAN countries along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States.
© KYODO