ASEAN Defense Chiefs Convene Amid Rising Tensions with China

Defense leaders from Southeast Asia and partner nations, including the U.S. and China, meet to discuss security amidst maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

l 25%

c 75%

Southeast Asian defense chiefs discuss regional security with US, China and other partner nations

Associated Press

Austin says it’s 'unfortunate' that Chinese defense chief declined meeting

NBC News

US ‘Secret War’ remembered as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visits Laos

Al Jazeera

Pentagon Chief Says China Declined Meeting During His Asia Visit

Bloomberg

Subscribe to unlock this story

We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!

Get Started

Have an account? Sign in

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Southeast Asian defense ministers, along with the U.S. and China, gathered in Laos to discuss regional security. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called it a setback that China's defense minister declined a one-on-one meeting. The talks aimed to address tensions in the South China Sea and other geopolitical issues, amidst a backdrop of U.S.-China rivalry and ongoing concerns about Myanmar's civil conflict. The discussions come as ASEAN countries seek assurances regarding the rising assertiveness of China in the region and aim to complete a code of conduct governing behavior in the South China Sea by 2026.

Written by AI using shared reports from

4 articles

Report issue