Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper market integration with Southeast Asia during annual summit talks where territorial disputes in the South China Sea are likely to be high on the agenda.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will represent the United States at summits with Asian leaders in Laos this week and expects to discuss human rights in Myanmar, China's "irresponsible" behavior in the South China Sea and Ukraine,

The US secretary of state is expected to raise both topics in Laos this week, highlighting China's actions in each US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will continue to raise Beijing's actions in the South China Sea and the US concern over its alleged support for Russia's war in Ukraine when he attends the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Laos this week.

Bloc’s cohesion tested by intractable conflicts Myanmar peace initiative falters, war intensifies Talks on South China Sea code drag on U.S, Russia, Japan, India, China to join Laos summits VIENTIANE,

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will represent the United States at the Association of Southeast Nations summits in Laos this week and expects to discuss human rights in Myanmar, China's "irresponsible" behavior in the South China Sea and Ukraine,