VIENTIANE, Laos (AP)

— 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 collective efforts in promoting peace and stability amid complex geopolitical changes, emphasizing the need for enhanced unity within the bloc. 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. Laos, the host nation and the bloc's poorest member, has already engaged with Myanmar's military leadership through a special envoy in an effort to advance peace initiatives. Additionally, ASEAN has established a trilateral consultation mechanism among its current, past, and future chairs to ensure a cohesive response to the Myanmar crisis. Amid these discussions, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi raised concerns about cross-border crimes and refugee flows stemming from Myanmar's turmoil, advocating for a balanced approach to foster dialogue among all stakeholders. The summit will also address the ongoing collaboration with China to develop a code of conduct for the South China Sea, aiming to mitigate territorial disputes.