China Engages in Diplomatic Outreach to Southeast Asia, Amid Tensions with Philippines
Chinese leader Xi Jinping's meetings with Southeast Asian officials aim to strengthen regional ties, as territorial disputes with the Philippines persist.
- China launched a diplomatic outreach to Southeast Asia, with Xi Jinping meeting Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto and foreign ministers from Laos, Vietnam, and East Timor.
- The outreach comes amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea and efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation in the region by the U.S. and its allies.
- Xi promised to deepen strategic cooperation with Indonesia, focusing on maritime affairs, economy, trade, and poverty alleviation.
- Beijing hopes to encourage Southeast Asian countries to not let territorial disputes overshadow their overall relationships with China.
- A survey shows a nearly even split among ASEAN countries between aligning with China or the U.S., highlighting the region's strategic balancing act.
Voice of America (VOA News) 
