ASEAN Leaders Meet in Manila to Address Regional Conflicts
Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders gather in Manila to discuss Myanmar's civil war and South China Sea disputes ahead of visits from U.S. and Chinese leaders.
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations began a three-day annual summit in Manila on Sunday to address regional and global instability. The meetings focus on seeking peaceful resolutions to the civil war in Myanmar, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to meet with ASEAN leaders on Monday before departing. He will be followed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrive Tuesday afternoon for final talks, a special summit, and a meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
Despite these high-level discussions, diplomats indicate that a non-aggression code of conduct for the South China Sea will not be finalized this year. The Philippines currently holds the rotating leadership of the bloc and will transfer the role to Singapore following the conclusion of the main sessions.
