News Snapshot:
China is moving to step up influence in Southeast Asia by elevating its ties with Asean to Beijing’s highest level of diplomatic recognition for regional groups, in an effort to counter the US in the region. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the plan following a meeting with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Chongqing, southwestern China, on Monday. China pushes for closer ties in Asean talks, with focus on pandemic “China has already established such relationships with individual nations of Asean. On this foundation, both sides can explore elevating China-Asean ties to comprehensive strategic partnership,...
