Southeast Asian Defense Chiefs Gather in Laos Amid Growing Maritime Tensions with China
VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — Southeast Asian defense leaders convened in Laos on Wednesday for crucial security discussions against the backdrop of escalating maritime disputes involving China in the Asia-Pacific region and the impending transition to a new U.S. administration.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is slated to participate in the two-day meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers in Vientiane, where attendees will be seeking reassurance ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated return to power in January.
Prior to this gathering, Austin concluded strategic discussions in Australia with top military officials, including Japan’s defense minister. During these meetings, the leaders reiterated their commitment to ASEAN and expressed serious concerns regarding destabilizing actions in the East and South China Seas, particularly those emanating from the People’s Republic of China towards the Philippines and other coastal states.
In addition to the United States, the ASEAN meetings attract participation from several regional powers including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and China. The dialogue comes at a critical time, as ASEAN nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei vie for control over contested territories in the South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety.
Laos’ Defense Minister Chansamone Chanyalath opened the talks by expressing hopes that the discussions would establish a strong foundation for ongoing defense cooperation within ASEAN, emphasizing the importance of addressing current and future security threats.
China has taken increasingly assertive actions to solidify its territorial claims in recent years. ASEAN member states are currently engaged in protracted negotiations with Beijing to develop a code of conduct to regulate behavior in the politically charged waters, but progress remains sluggish. Officials aim to finalize this code by 2026; however, negotiations are complicated by contentious issues, including whether the accord should carry binding authority.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his concerns during last month’s ASEAN leaders’ meeting, advocating for expedited negotiations on the code of conduct. He highlighted that his nation continues to face harassment and intimidation arising from China’s actions, which he argued breach international law.
Tensions have manifested in multiple incidents this year, including clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels. In October, Vietnam accused Chinese forces of assaulting its fishermen in disputed maritime territories. Additionally, China has dispatched patrol vessels into waters claimed as exclusive economic zones by Indonesia and Malaysia.
In light of these challenges, the ongoing ASEAN discussions are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s security architecture in the face of rising tensions and territorial disputes. As representatives gather in Vientiane, the outcomes of these meetings will likely influence the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia for years to come.
Hello and welcome to today’s interview on Southeast Asian Defense Chiefs Gathering in Laos amidst Growing Maritime Tensions with China. Our first guest is Lieutenant General Sisouvong (Lao People’s Armed Forces), representing Laos at the ASEAN summit, and our second guest is Major General William Anderson (U.S. Army), who is the Deputy Commanding General, Operations Support, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea.
Section 1: Understanding the ASEAN Summit
Lieutenant General Sisouvong, please provide our audience with a brief overview of the ASEAN defense chiefs’ meeting and its significance for Southeast Asia. What are the key goals and priorities of this summit?
Lt. Gen. Sisouvong: The ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) is a crucial platform for Southeast Asian nations to discuss and collaborate on regional security issues. As the current host, Laos views the meeting as an opportunity to promote mutual understanding and cooperation among member states, particularly in addressing ongoing maritime tensions. Our key goal is to establish a strong foundation for ongoing defense cooperation within ASEAN to address current and future security threats. We are also emphasizing the importance of addressing disputes through peaceful means and maintaining stability in the region.
Section 2: Maritime Disputes and the South China Sea
Maj. Gen. Anderson, the United States has expressed concerns regarding China’s actions in the South China Sea. As a participant in the ASEAN meetings, how is your country working with Southeast Asian nations to resolve maritime disputes?
Maj. Gen. Anderson: The United States is a staunch supporter of ASEAN and its role in promoting regional stability and security. We are committed to supporting the association’s efforts to address maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law. We believe that China’s actions in the South China Sea, such as its militarization of islands and disputed territories, threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation. To address these concerns, we are committed to promoting adherence to the rules-based order and supporting the development of a strong code of conduct for the South China
