VIENTIANE -- Top diplomats of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations wrapped up weeklong talks on Saturday, releasing a joint statement that underscored the bloc's central role in regional security and also exposed divisions over pressing global issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The annual meetings also offered crucial platforms for multilateral and bilateral diplomacy, including a significant breakthrough that came in the form of a much-anticipated meeting between Chinese and Philippine foreign ministers aimed at easing maritime tensions.
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