Southeast Asian leaders convened in Vientiane, Laos, for the ASEAN summit, with a primary focus on addressing the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which have tested the bloc's credibility. Thailand proposed hosting an informal consultation in December to seek a political solution to the Myanmar crisis, where chaos has ensued since the 2021 military coup. The summit also includes discussions with global powers such as China, the United States, and Russia, reflecting the region's geopolitical significance. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasized the importance of cooperation among ASEAN members under Laos' chairmanship, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and resilience. The summit is expected to address diverse topics including economic cooperation, climate change, and energy, while also potentially discussing the escalation of violence in the Middle East. New leadership changes in Thailand and Singapore were noted, marking a generational shift in ASEAN governance.