US defense chief regrets China’s decision not to meet during Southeast Asian security talks

Associated Press

VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has expressed regret that his Chinese counterpart chose not to hold talks with him during meetings of Southeast Asian defense chiefs in Laos, calling it a setback for the entire region. There was no immediate comment from China on Defense Minister Dong Jun’s decision not to meet with Austin. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is holding security talks in Vientiane at a time of increasing maritime disputes with China and as the transition to a new U.S. president approaches. The meetings are also likely to touch on tensions in the Korean Peninsula, the Russia-Ukraine war and the wars in the Middle East.