Southeast Asian diplomats, gathered in Laos, discussed China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and the escalating violence in Myanmar. The Laotian Foreign Minister expressed guarded optimism that progress could be made on both fronts in 2023. The meeting also indicated a positive sign as Myanmar, for the first time since 2021, sent a high-level representative to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting. Myanmar, facing civil war and displacement, has been prohibited from sending its Foreign Minister to high-level ASEAN meetings since the end of 2021. The ASEAN countries discussed strategies to address the crises effectively.
Diplomats Discuss China’s Actions in South China Sea and Myanmar Crisis at ASEAN Meeting in Laos
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