ASEAN Faces Stalled Myanmar Crisis Amid South China Sea Tensions

The ASEAN foreign ministers met in Laos to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and the rising tensions in the South China Sea. Despite past efforts, little progress has been made on the Myanmar civil war or a code of conduct with Beijing. Diplomatic engagements are ongoing with input from global powers.

The ASEAN foreign ministers convened in Laos on Wednesday to tackle the unresolved Myanmar crisis and heightened South China Sea tensions. The meeting comes ahead of two major summits set for Saturday, featuring officials from global powers including the United States, China, and Russia.

Efforts to resolve the Myanmar civil war, which has displaced 2.6 million people, remain stalled. ASEAN's larger members are increasingly frustrated by the Myanmar junta's unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, challenging the bloc's credibility. A troika consisting of Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia discussed implementing the bloc's five-point peace plan but revealed no new strategies.

Tensions in the South China Sea are also on the agenda, with ASEAN pushing for a long-delayed code of conduct with Beijing. The urgency is underscored by recent confrontations involving China's coastguard and U.S.-backed Philippines. Saturday's summits aim to address these and other issues, including Gaza, Ukraine, and climate change, with high-level international participation.

(With inputs from agencies.)