VIENTIANE, Laos

– Southeast Asian foreign ministers and diplomats from key global partners, including the United States and China, convened in Laos on Thursday for a three-day summit. The discussions are set to address pressing regional issues, notably the escalating civil war in Myanmar and ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith highlighted the importance of ASEAN's unity and centrality in navigating complex geopolitical changes, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to promote peace and stability. The violence in Myanmar remains a primary concern for ASEAN nations, which include Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The bloc is grappling with the implementation of its "five-point consensus" aimed at restoring peace, as the humanitarian crisis deepens with over 3 million displaced individuals due to intensified fighting between the military and various ethnic militias. Discussions on providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar are expected to be a significant focus of the talks, although specific details on aid delivery remain unclear. In a bid to facilitate progress, Laos has dispatched a special envoy to engage with Myanmar's military leadership. Additionally, ASEAN has established a trilateral consultation mechanism among its current, past, and future chairs to ensure a cohesive response to the Myanmar crisis. Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi raised concerns about cross-border crimes and refugee flows, advocating for a balanced approach to foster dialogue among all stakeholders in Myanmar. The summit will also address China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, with ASEAN working alongside Beijing to develop a code of conduct aimed at preventing conflicts. This collaboration could pave the way for similar agreements with other nations, as territorial disputes continue to pose challenges in the region.