Der US-Verteidigungsminister bedauert die Entscheidung Chinas, sich während der südostasiatischen Sicherheitsgespräche nicht zu treffen

SS: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed regret over the Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun’s refusal to meet during ASEAN defense talks in Laos, calling it a setback for regional security at a time of growing maritime tensions with China. Austin emphasized the importance of dialogue between the U.S. and China to reassure the region, which has seen escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea involving ASEAN members like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Meanwhile, ASEAN continues slow negotiations with China on a code of conduct for the contested waters, aiming for completion by 2026 despite persistent disagreements. The U.S., Australia, and Japan have pledged increased support for ASEAN and criticized China’s aggressive actions, which Beijing attributes to foreign military presence. Other key issues at the talks include Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, cybersecurity, and natural disaster preparedness.