Defense ministers from the US, China, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea met with ASEAN counterparts in Laos for their annual meeting. Held in Vientiane, the event focused on promoting regional peace, security, and stability. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of collaboration across the Indo-Pacific, while Australian official Pat Conroy highlighted strengthening defense ties. ASEAN also acknowledged China’s ongoing contributions. The three-day meeting concludes on Friday, with discussions around key regional developments and past ASEAN summit outcomes.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE