VIENTIANE, Laos: Southeast Asian foreign ministers have convened in Laos this week to address pressing regional issues, including the contentious South China Sea and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
The three-day meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began in Vientiane on Thursday, with a focus on regional stability and diplomatic efforts.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the event. This meeting aims to emphasize the importance of adherence to international law regarding the South China Sea, a strategically crucial waterway claimed almost entirely by China despite an international court ruling dismissing the legitimacy of its claims.
Recent clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels have heightened tensions, with fears of a broader conflict involving the U.S. due to its defense commitments with Manila. The draft communique from the ASEAN meeting reflects concerns over “serious incidents” in the South China Sea, which have increased regional tensions and undermined peace and stability.
In addition to maritime disputes, the crisis in Myanmar is a key topic of discussion. Since the military coup in 2021, ASEAN has struggled to mediate the conflict effectively. The junta’s exclusion from high-level meetings and its brutal crackdown on dissent have hampered progress. Myanmar is expected to send a senior bureaucrat to this meeting, indicating a possible willingness to engage diplomatically despite significant internal and external pressure.
The ASEAN bloc remains divided on the Myanmar issue, with countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines advocating for stronger measures against the junta, while Thailand has pursued bilateral talks with the military leadership and detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The discussions in Vientiane also reflect anticipation about potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election. Regional diplomats are preparing for the possibility of a Donald Trump victory and its implications for Southeast Asia.
Overall, the ASEAN meeting underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia, where maritime disputes and internal conflicts intersect with broader international interests and diplomatic strategies.
