Laos is set to host the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits next week, bringing together leaders from Southeast Asia and global powers including the United States, China, and Japan for the East Asia Summit. These high-level meetings will tackle pressing regional issues, such as escalating tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar.

The summit also coincides with political transitions in Washington and Jakarta, adding uncertainty to the discussions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will represent the United States, with concerns about future U.S. involvement in the region looming large. Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto, known for his unpredictable foreign policy stances, could bring a new dynamic to ASEAN's handling of regional issues.

As the world grows more divided over issues like the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, Laos’ role as host has drawn attention. While expectations for Laos, a smaller ASEAN nation, are modest, the summits provide an essential platform for dialogue amid growing global polarization.

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