A: Hey, any news about what's happening this week?
B: Not really, what's up?

A: Well, it seems some big meetings are going on in Kuala Lumpur starting today! The diplomats from Southeast Asian countries and related ones like us, Japan, the US, China, and Russia are gathering there till Friday.

B: Really? What's the main topic of discussion this time?

A: They're gonna talk about a few things, but tariffs introduced by Trump might be the big one. And also, they want to find a solution for the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar.

B: That sounds serious! I hope they can reach an agreement soon.

A: Yeah, me too. A draft statement shows that countries are worried about unilateral actions related to tariffs, which could mean Trump's trade policy is causing some issues globally.

B: And what about Myanmar? Is there any progress there?

A: The draft also mentions deep concern over the worsening conflicts and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. They want all parties to stop the violence immediately.

B: That's sad to hear...

A: On Thursday, they'll have talks with diplomats from the US, China, and other countries. Marco Rubio from the US and Wang Yi from China are expected to be there.

B: Interesting! I wonder what they'll talk about, like maybe China's activities in the South China Sea...

A: Exactly! Everyone's waiting to see how those discussions will go. Let's hope for some positive outcomes!
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Top diplomats of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and related countries are set to begin a series of meetings in Malaysia on Wednesday. Participants are likely to discuss the impact of tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump.



The meetings will take place in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur through Friday. Malaysia is this year's ASEAN chair. The related countries include Japan, the United States, China and Russia.



ASEAN foreign ministers will meet on Wednesday. US tariffs and the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar are expected to be high on the agenda.



According to a draft joint statement obtained by NHK, countries are likely to specify concerns over unilateral actions relating to tariffs, in an apparent reference to the US trade policy causing growing uncertainty in the global economy.



Regarding Myanmar, the draft mentions deep concern about escalating conflicts and the humanitarian situation, and urges all parties to immediately halt violence. The fighting between the country's military and pro-democracy forces has continued since the coup in 2021.



On Thursday, ASEAN foreign ministers will hold a series of talks with their counterparts from the US, China and other countries. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are expected to attend.



Observers are waiting to see what kind of discussions the diplomats will have on issues such as China stepping up its maritime activities in the South China Sea.