Defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are meeting in Laos from Wednesday. They are being joined by the defense chiefs of the United States, China and others.

The two-day meeting takes place in the capital, Vientiane. The US is being represented by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

It is believed that over the course of the meeting, he will be exchanging views with the ASEAN members on how to deal with China, which is becoming increasingly assertive in the South China Sea.

Many in ASEAN fear the region's importance may be underestimated. During the first administration of president-elect Donald Trump, he missed important meetings hosted by ASEAN members. They are closely watching how the coming change of government affects US policy.

Austin is believed to be stressing that the US will continue to be involved in maintaining peace and stability in the region.