ASEAN considers including Europe in defense talks to enhance ties

Move comes as China's clout grows, global tensions spill into Southeast Asia

A senior official from Myanmar attends the ASEAN defense ministers' meeting in Luang Prabang on March 5. (Photo by Kenya Akama)

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

March 5, 2024 12:06 JST

Updated on March 5, 2024 17:51 JST

LUANG PRABANG, Laos -- Defense ministers from ASEAN are looking to add members from the West to its regional framework as global geopolitical issues increasingly affect Southeast Asia.

ASEAN defense ministers met on Tuesday in the northern Laotian city of Luang Prabang to discuss regional issues. After the meeting, Thai Defense Minister Suthin Klungsaeng said the bloc is considering new members for its expanded defense meeting platform, known as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).