ASEAN Defense Chiefs Meet in Laos Amid Tensions

Defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are convening in Vientiane, Laos, with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin attending to discuss rising maritime tensions with China. The two-day meeting aims to address concerns about China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, especially amid fears regarding U.S. policy changes with the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump. Austin has recently assured allies Australia and Japan of the U.S.'s commitment to ASEAN and shared concerns over China's destabilizing activities. Alongside the U.S., representatives from Japan, South Korea, India, and China are present, highlighting the regional nature of the discussions. ASEAN members, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, have conflicting claims with China in the South China Sea, prompting ongoing negotiations for a code of conduct that remains sluggish. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged for more urgency in finalizing this code amid continued harassment from Chinese vessels.