ASEAN-China Tensions Over South China Sea and Myanmar Crisis Dominate Talks

Top diplomats from Southeast Asia engaged in critical talks with China's Foreign Minister amid rising tensions over Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea. Discussions also pivoted to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, as ASEAN nations aimed to avoid becoming proxies in U.S.-China power plays.

Top diplomats from Southeast Asia met Friday morning in Vientiane with China's Foreign Minister for critical talks amid escalating tensions over Beijing's aggressive maritime claims in the South China Sea.

The disputes, involving several ASEAN members, have resulted in direct confrontations, raising concerns about potential broader conflicts.

Before the talks, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi warned, "One wrong step in the South China Sea will turn a small fire into a terrible firestorm."

The ASEAN members emphasized their desire to avoid being proxies in the ongoing U.S.-China power struggle, with Thursday's opening meetings stressing regional stability and peace.

Despite tensions, ASEAN is working on a South China Sea code of conduct with China, hoping to find a mutual agreement to reduce confrontations.

This week, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also attended the meetings, underscoring the deepening strategic coordination between Russia and China amid ongoing global conflicts.

Meanwhile, the ongoing civil war in Myanmar remained a focal point, with the ASEAN bloc supporting Thailand's broader role in humanitarian assistance.

"ASEAN must not be a proxy for any power; otherwise, it will be difficult for ASEAN to become an anchor for regional stability and peace," Marsudi said post-talks.

(With inputs from agencies.)