OECD or BRICS? Key members' differences might weaken ASEAN unity

TOKYO -- A series of ASEAN-hosted meetings in Laos last month highlighted shifts in the regional bloc's diplomatic dynamics and the evolving geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia.

The three-day forum, which ended on July 27, included a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers and a gathering of top diplomats from major countries and regions, including Japan, the U.S., China, India and the European Union. The regional bloc seemed eager to showcase its diplomatic influence in promoting global peace and stability through dialogue.