After spending 10 days trapped inside a cave in Laos, five survivors were finally brought to safety in a dramatic rescue operation that captured global attention. Battling darkness, difficult terrain and the constant risk of worsening conditions, rescue teams worked tirelessly to reach those stranded underground. In this episode of Decoded, we break down how the operation unfolded, the challenges rescuers faced and the remarkable survival story that kept hope alive against the odds.


Explained: Rescue of Five Survivors From Laos Cave After 10 Days

Rescue teams in Laos are racing against time to save seven people trapped inside a flooded cave in the country’s central xaisomboun province. The group reportedly entered the cave in search of gold before heavy rains triggered flash flooding and sealed the exit.

Watch High Risk Mission to Save 7 Trapped Inside a Flooded Cave in Laos

Laos Cave Flooding: Gold Hunt Turns To Disaster

Laos is bracing for economic challenges as a 40% US tariff is set to take effect, threatening job losses and a decline in market share, especially in key industries like agriculture, textiles and manufacturing. The country is already grappling with high inflation and severe labor shortages, and experts warn that the tariff hike could exacerbate these issues, potentially disrupting supply chains and affecting exports.



Trump Tariffs: Why is Laos High on Trump's Tariff 'Hate List'? | Laos Hit With 40% US Tariffs | WION

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun are likely to meet next week in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Plus meeting (ADMM+). Watch this report for more details!

Indian And Chinese Defence Ministers to Meet in Laos Next Week

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two day visit to Laos where he will be attending 21st Asean-India and 19th East Asia Summit. Chinese Premiere, Japan's new PM and South Korea's President is also expected to participate in the summit. Watch to know more.

Indian PM To Attend Asean-India And East Asia Summits

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 10) spoke at the ASEAN-India Summit held in Vientiane, Laos, where he stressed how India's Act East policy has strengthened its longstanding ties with ASEAN nations. He also highlighted the importance of India-ASEAN collaboration, especially amid current global challenges.

'21st Century is the Century of India and ASEAN Countries', Says PM Modi

Indian PM Modi Addresses 21st ASEAN-India Summit

Indian PM Modi to Attend ASEAN-India And East Asia Summits In Laos

The Indian embassy in Laos has rescued 47 Indians trapped in cyber-scam centres at the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province of Lao PDR, the embassy said in a press release, on Saturday (Aug 31).&nbsp;

Out of 47 Indians, Lao authorities handed over 29 Indian nationals, after their crackdown on illegal activities in Golden Triangle SEZ.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the other 18 had approached the embassy to seek help.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/laos-issues-worlds-first-ever-stamp-depicting-shri-ram-lalla-of-ayodhya-744719">Also read:&nbsp;Laos issues world's first-ever stamp depicting Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya</a>

The officials from the Indian embassy in Laos, travelled from Vientiane to Bokeo, to actively liaise to help them rescue.

The embassy organised the transport from Bokeo to Vientiane, along with accommodation and food for the Indian nationals, upon arrival in the Laos capital.&nbsp;

Prashant Agrawal, ambassador of India to Lao PDR, met the group upon arrival to discuss the challenges they faced, and to advise further course of action.

Watch |&nbsp;China, LAOS hold friendship shield-2024 military exercise

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Moreover, the Indian embassy has completed all the procedural requirements of Lao authorities for their repatriation to India.&nbsp;

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Embassy of India successfully rescues 47 Indians trapped in cyberscam centres in Golden Triangle SEZ of Lao PDR. Detailed press release below: <a href="https://t.co/Ap4BTJYP7c">pic.twitter.com/Ap4BTJYP7c</a>
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<h2>17 more Indians to leave soon</h2>

Notably, 30 Indian nationals, have already safely returned from Laos to India, or are on their way, the embassy stated. The remaining 17 are only awaiting travel arrangements to be firmed up and will be leaving Laos soon.&nbsp;

<h2>'Safety of Indians, a matter of top priority'</h2>

Agrawal said,&nbsp;"ensuring safety and well-being of Indians is a matter of top priority for the Embassy. Any request for help received from those in distress is taken up urgently and promptly and all due assistance extended."

The Indian embassy in Laos has so far rescued 635 Indians and ensured their safe return to India.&nbsp;

"We thank Lao authorities for their help and cooperation. We have also urged action at their end against unscrupulous elements and the matter has been raised at the highest levels," the Indian embassy in Laos said in a press release.&nbsp;

"We strongly advise any Indian planning to take up any job offer in Lao PDR to exercise utmost care and caution, and do the due diligence thoroughly to avoid being duped," it&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Indian embassy in Laos has rescued 47 Indians trapped in cyber-scam centres at the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province of Lao PDR, the embassy said in a press release, on Saturday (Aug 31).

The Indian embassy in Laos has rescued 47 Indians trapped in cyber-scam centres at the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province of Lao PDR, the embassy said in a press release, on Saturday (Aug 31). Out of 47 Indians, Lao authorities handed over 29 Indian nationals, after their crackdown on illegal activities in Golden Triangle SEZ. Meanwhile, the other 18 had approached the embassy to seek help. Also read: Laos issues world's first-ever stamp depicting Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya The officials from the Indian embassy in Laos, travelled from Vientiane to Bokeo, to actively liaise to help them rescue. The embassy organised the transport from Bokeo to Vientiane, along with accommodation and food for the Indian nationals, upon arrival in the Laos capital. Prashant Agrawal, ambassador of India to Lao PDR, met the group upon arrival to discuss the challenges they faced, and to advise further course of action. Watch | China, LAOS hold friendship shield-2024 military exercise × Moreover, the Indian embassy has completed all the procedural requirements of Lao authorities for their repatriation to India. Embassy of India successfully rescues 47 Indians trapped in cyberscam centres in Golden Triangle SEZ of Lao PDR. Detailed press release below: pic.twitter.com/Ap4BTJYP7c — India in Laos (@IndianEmbLaos) August 31, 2024 × 17 more Indians to leave soon Notably, 30 Indian nationals, have already safely returned from Laos to India, or are on their way, the embassy stated. The remaining 17 are only awaiting travel arrangements to be firmed up and will be leaving Laos soon. 'Safety of Indians, a matter of top priority' Agrawal said, "ensuring safety and well-being of Indians is a matter of top priority for the Embassy. Any request for help received from those in distress is taken up urgently and promptly and all due assistance extended." The Indian embassy in Laos has so far rescued 635 Indians and ensured their safe return to India. "We thank Lao authorities for their help and cooperation. We have also urged action at their end against unscrupulous elements and the matter has been raised at the highest levels," the Indian embassy in Laos said in a press release. "We strongly advise any Indian planning to take up any job offer in Lao PDR to exercise utmost care and caution, and do the due diligence thoroughly to avoid being duped," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian embassy in Laos rescues 47 Indian nationals from cyber-scam centres

Lu Siwei, a Chinese rights lawyer has been arrested in Laos while attempting to board a train for Thailand. Lu, whose lawyer licence was stripped for taking on sensitive cases may now be deported to China where he could face prison time, activists and family members fear.

Lu Siwei, a Chinese rights lawyer has been arrested in Laos while attempting to board a train for Thailand. Lu, whose lawyer licence was stripped for taking on sensitive cases may now be deported to China where he could face prison time, activists and family members fear. “I’m extremely worried for his safety. If he’s sent back to China, he’d definitely be imprisoned,” Zhang Chunxiao, Lu's wife was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Lu was stripped of his legal licence in 2021 for representing a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist who attempted to flee to Taiwan. Later in the same year, he was barred from leaving the mainland and an exit ban was placed on him when he was to visit the US for a visiting fellowship. While defending the activist was probably the last straw, Lu had already written himself into the bad books of Politburo when he defended rights lawyer and Xi Jinping critic Yu Wensheng. Yu was charged with inciting subversion of state power after a letter calling for democratic reforms in 2018. Watch | Gravitas: China's full-time children × Beijing's far-reaching influence Ever since coming under the scanner, Lu has been separated from his wife and daughter, who both resettled in the US last year. Lu's family recently contacted Bob Fy, founder of Texas-based religious rights group ChinaAid, to assist the lawyer escape from China. According to Bob, Lu had valid visas for the US and Laos but the arrest on foreign soil exemplifies how ferociously Beijing pursues critics, even abroad. Also read | Over 20 pro-democracy figures detained on Tiananmen Square massacre anniversary in Hong Kong “This clearly shows the long arm of China beyond its borders to control and arrest those travelling overseas,” Fu said. “It’s very chilling. After Fu's arrest, Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders took to Twitter and demanded early release of him from the Laotian authorities. "Very disturbed by reports that Chinese HRD & lawyer Lu Siwei was arrested in #Laos today as he boarded a train to Bangkok to fly to the US & reunite with his family. The Laotian authorities must immediately disclose his whereabouts & release him," she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Very disturbed by reports that Chinese HRD & lawyer Lu Siwei was arrested in #Laos today as he boarded a train to Bangkok to fly to the US & reunite with his family. The Laotian authorities must immediately disclose his whereabouts & release him.@LaosAtUNhttps://t.co/McrVH1gEzX — Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur HRDs (@MaryLawlorhrds) July 28, 2023 × Under Xi Jinping, there has been a heavy clampdown on the legal rights of citizens. In 2015, over a hundred activists and rights lawyers were arrested in what was later termed the “709 crackdown” – named after July 9, the day it was launched. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Human rights lawyer fleeing China arrested in Laos, could be deported

Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Zambia, Mongolia and Laos, what do these countries have in common ? These countries are either on the brink of bankruptcy or have already gone bankrupt. A dozen poor countries are on the verge of collapse under the weight of billions of dollars in foreign loans that they had taken from China.

China's loan policy pushing poor countries to brink of collapse | World Business Watch

As per a BBC report, a political activist from Laos who has survived an attempt on his life has now left the country to seek urgent medical care. According to videos circulating online, on 30th April, 25-year-old "Jack" Anousa Luangsuphom was shot point blank in the face and chest in the nation's capital, Vientiane.

Following the shooting, Luangsuphom's relatives reportedly claimed that the blogger had been killed. However, later activists said that he was alive and recovering in the hospital.

As per the BBC report quoting human rights lawyer Emilie Palamy Pradichit, the blogger's evacuation has been paid for by an online call for donations.

Palamy Pradichit, a human rights lawyer, works with the Manushya Foundation, and is Jack's&nbsp;representative. Pradichit has called for an independent inquiry into the attempted killing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prominent-critic-of-laos-government-gunned-down-in-cafe-588614">Prominent critic of Laos government gunned down in cafe</a>

As per the lawyer, Luangsuphom is recovering at an undisclosed location. The bullet was removed from his chest and surgery was performed to repair his face.&nbsp;

The authorities in Laos have blamed the attack on a personal or business dispute, but Luangsuphom associates believe it was because of his work as one of the few outspoken campaigners in the country. They claim that an undercover police officer was sent to assassinate the blogger.

Security camera footage of the incident shows a man in a nondescript brown coloured hat. The man could be seen stepping inside the door to the cafe, where Luangsuphom was with three of his friends.&nbsp;

The video shows the man confirming the 25-year-old's presence before extracting a handgun and firing several shots.

Some are reportedly even comparing the attempt on Luangsuphom's life to the disappearance of another political activist, Sombath Somphone, who disappeared a decade ago. &nbsp;

"I believe that Jack's life is definitely in danger after leaving Laos," Ms Palamy Pradichit says. "Transnational repression of Lao dissidents is real and a growing phenomenon. In recent years, Lao democracy activists have disappeared or have been found killed in neighbouring countries, such as Thailand."

The political blogger ran two community Facebook pages that led to rare discussions on corruption, pollution, and civil rights in Laos, where one-party state repression is the norm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per a BBC report, a political activist from Laos who has survived an attempt on his life has now left the country to seek urgent medical care. According to videos circulating online, on 30th April, 25-year-old "Jack" Anousa Luangsuphom was shot point blank in the face and chest in the nation's capital, Vientiane.

As per a BBC report, a political activist from Laos who has survived an attempt on his life has now left the country to seek urgent medical care. According to videos circulating online, on 30th April, 25-year-old "Jack" Anousa Luangsuphom was shot point blank in the face and chest in the nation's capital, Vientiane. Following the shooting, Luangsuphom's relatives reportedly claimed that the blogger had been killed. However, later activists said that he was alive and recovering in the hospital. As per the BBC report quoting human rights lawyer Emilie Palamy Pradichit, the blogger's evacuation has been paid for by an online call for donations. Palamy Pradichit, a human rights lawyer, works with the Manushya Foundation, and is Jack's representative. Pradichit has called for an independent inquiry into the attempted killing. Also read | Prominent critic of Laos government gunned down in cafe As per the lawyer, Luangsuphom is recovering at an undisclosed location. The bullet was removed from his chest and surgery was performed to repair his face. The authorities in Laos have blamed the attack on a personal or business dispute, but Luangsuphom associates believe it was because of his work as one of the few outspoken campaigners in the country. They claim that an undercover police officer was sent to assassinate the blogger. Security camera footage of the incident shows a man in a nondescript brown coloured hat. The man could be seen stepping inside the door to the cafe, where Luangsuphom was with three of his friends. The video shows the man confirming the 25-year-old's presence before extracting a handgun and firing several shots. Some are reportedly even comparing the attempt on Luangsuphom's life to the disappearance of another political activist, Sombath Somphone, who disappeared a decade ago. "I believe that Jack's life is definitely in danger after leaving Laos," Ms Palamy Pradichit says. "Transnational repression of Lao dissidents is real and a growing phenomenon. In recent years, Lao democracy activists have disappeared or have been found killed in neighbouring countries, such as Thailand." The political blogger ran two community Facebook pages that led to rare discussions on corruption, pollution, and civil rights in Laos, where one-party state repression is the norm. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Laos: 25-year-old government critic escapes assassination attempt, leaves nation for medical care

Anousa 'Jack' Luangsuphom, a prominent activist and critic of the Laos government has been killed, with graphic footage of his murder being published online by state media. The murder took place at a cafe in the capital Vientiane on Saturday. Laos, a Communist country has long received criticism for its poor human rights records. It has also failed to properly investigate the disappearances of government critics.

The killing of Luangsuphom has drawn criticism from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. They have urged Laos authorities to carry out a proper investigation.

State news agency KPL on Monday posted chilling security footage that showed a gunman in a brown shirt and black cap shooting Luangsuphom. The gunman appears to briefly enter the cafe, appearing to confirm where his target was sitting. He then draws out a handgun from his waistband before re-entering the cafe to fire two shots at point-blank range. Anousa Luangsuphom then falls to the floor as the gunman escapes.

The footage shows the gunman carefully using a handkerchief to open and close the door, presumably to avoid leaving fingerprints. &nbsp;

The KPL report said police were investigating the incident and searching for suspects.&nbsp;

AFP said that police declined to comment on the killing.

Anousa ran a popular Facebook page "Driven By Keyboard" on which people regularly posted critical views on the Laos government.

"RIP Jack Anousa. We all will never forget Jack," his friends wrote on the page. Others posted a picture of him with the hashtag JusticeForJack.&nbsp;

AFP reported a statement from Amnesty International, quoting a friend of Anousa as saying that the attack had left activists more afraid to freely speak out.

According to Human Rights Watch, Anousa died on the way to the hospital.

"The cold-blooded killing of a prominent young political activist in downtown Vientiane sends a spine-chilling message that no one in Laos who criticises the government is safe," Asia director Elaine Pearson said in a statement Wednesday.&nbsp;

"The Lao government should urgently conduct a credible and impartial investigation into Anousa's death and bring to justice all those responsible."&nbsp;

A number of critics of the Laos government have died or gone missing in recent years.&nbsp;

Sombath Somphone, an award-winning campaigner for sustainable development, vanished in December 2012 after police pulled over his vehicle at a checkpoint in the capital.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy campaigner Od Sayavong has also not been seen since he went missing in Thailand in 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Anousa 'Jack' Luangsuphom, a prominent activist and critic of the Laos government has been killed, with graphic footage of his murder being published online by state media.

Anousa 'Jack' Luangsuphom, a prominent activist and critic of the Laos government has been killed, with graphic footage of his murder being published online by state media. The murder took place at a cafe in the capital Vientiane on Saturday. Laos, a Communist country has long received criticism for its poor human rights records. It has also failed to properly investigate the disappearances of government critics. The killing of Luangsuphom has drawn criticism from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. They have urged Laos authorities to carry out a proper investigation. State news agency KPL on Monday posted chilling security footage that showed a gunman in a brown shirt and black cap shooting Luangsuphom. The gunman appears to briefly enter the cafe, appearing to confirm where his target was sitting. He then draws out a handgun from his waistband before re-entering the cafe to fire two shots at point-blank range. Anousa Luangsuphom then falls to the floor as the gunman escapes. The footage shows the gunman carefully using a handkerchief to open and close the door, presumably to avoid leaving fingerprints.  The KPL report said police were investigating the incident and searching for suspects. AFP said that police declined to comment on the killing. Anousa ran a popular Facebook page "Driven By Keyboard" on which people regularly posted critical views on the Laos government. "RIP Jack Anousa. We all will never forget Jack," his friends wrote on the page. Others posted a picture of him with the hashtag JusticeForJack. AFP reported a statement from Amnesty International, quoting a friend of Anousa as saying that the attack had left activists more afraid to freely speak out. According to Human Rights Watch, Anousa died on the way to the hospital. "The cold-blooded killing of a prominent young political activist in downtown Vientiane sends a spine-chilling message that no one in Laos who criticises the government is safe," Asia director Elaine Pearson said in a statement Wednesday. "The Lao government should urgently conduct a credible and impartial investigation into Anousa's death and bring to justice all those responsible." A number of critics of the Laos government have died or gone missing in recent years. Sombath Somphone, an award-winning campaigner for sustainable development, vanished in December 2012 after police pulled over his vehicle at a checkpoint in the capital. Pro-democracy campaigner Od Sayavong has also not been seen since he went missing in Thailand in 2019. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Prominent critic of Laos government gunned down in cafe

After Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Laos is staring at a default., The country's cash reserves have plummeted and there is a serious shortage of fuel. Laos owes $14.5 Billion to its creditors. About half of the public debt is owed to China. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Another Chinese Debtor faces default

As part of President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative, a rail line connecting China and Laos opened on Friday. The line connects the Chinese city of Kunming with the Laotian capital Vientiane. The1000 km long high-speed railway costed $6 billion.

Inaugurating the line, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith attended a virtual ceremony. Earlier on the same day, Xi, during a meeting, said that the countries stood at "a new historical starting point".

"China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Laos, promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and continue to build an unbreakable China-Laos community with a shared future," he said.&nbsp;

China hopes on expanding the line through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore. The line has been built by a Chinese state-owned company, with China holding a 70 per cent stake.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-be-prepared-of-terrible-consequences-if-it-precipitates-crisis-in-taiwan-says-blinken-433986">Also read |&nbsp;China should be prepared of 'terrible consequences' if it precipitates crisis in Taiwan, says Blinken</a>

As per reports by Xinhua news agency, there are various tunnels and bridges on the route. The bridge ratio stands a 87 per cent in the Chinese section and in the Lao section, it is up to 63 per cent.&nbsp;

This includes the Ban Ladhan Mekong Bridge, Luang Prabang Mekong Bridge, Ban Sen No. 2 Tunnel and the Ban Nakok Tunnel.

The economists have warned that this project could make it difficult for Laos to repay external debt. Scott Morris of the Centre for Global Development in Washington, while speaking to the Associated Press said that this project will generate very positive economic returns for China, whereas, it will be harder to analyse the economic benefits for Laos

However, Laos state news agency KPL claimed that this initiative was an attempt to convert the Southeast Asian country "from a landlocked country to a land-linked one".

Chinese media has said that the project will benefit both countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative, a rail line connecting China and Laos opened on Friday. The line connects the Chinese city of Kunming with the Laotian capital Vientiane.

As part of President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative, a rail line connecting China and Laos opened on Friday. The line connects the Chinese city of Kunming with the Laotian capital Vientiane. The1000 km long high-speed railway costed $6 billion. Inaugurating the line, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith attended a virtual ceremony. Earlier on the same day, Xi, during a meeting, said that the countries stood at "a new historical starting point". "China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Laos, promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and continue to build an unbreakable China-Laos community with a shared future," he said. China hopes on expanding the line through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore. The line has been built by a Chinese state-owned company, with China holding a 70 per cent stake. Also read | China should be prepared of 'terrible consequences' if it precipitates crisis in Taiwan, says Blinken As per reports by Xinhua news agency, there are various tunnels and bridges on the route. The bridge ratio stands a 87 per cent in the Chinese section and in the Lao section, it is up to 63 per cent. This includes the Ban Ladhan Mekong Bridge, Luang Prabang Mekong Bridge, Ban Sen No. 2 Tunnel and the Ban Nakok Tunnel. The economists have warned that this project could make it difficult for Laos to repay external debt. Scott Morris of the Centre for Global Development in Washington, while speaking to the Associated Press said that this project will generate very positive economic returns for China, whereas, it will be harder to analyse the economic benefits for Laos However, Laos state news agency KPL claimed that this initiative was an attempt to convert the Southeast Asian country "from a landlocked country to a land-linked one". Chinese media has said that the project will benefit both countries. (With inputs from agencies)

'Historical starting point': Rail line connecting China and Laos inaugurated

Reclusive&nbsp;Laos&nbsp;has locked&nbsp;down&nbsp;its&nbsp;capital&nbsp;Vientiane and barred travel between&nbsp;Covid-hit&nbsp;provinces, as&nbsp;cases&nbsp;soared to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;high.

The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60&nbsp;cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing.

But a surge since mid-April has seen its caseload steadily increase, and on Saturday the country reported 467 new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;of community infection, its highest ever single-day tally.

The mayor of Vientiane, where the bulk of the&nbsp;cases&nbsp;were detected, declared a strict lockdown on Sunday for two weeks, ordering residents to stay in their homes unless obtaining food, medicine or making their way to a hospital.

Travel between seven other hard-hit&nbsp;provinces is banned, while entry into Vientiane requires a quarantine of 14 days.

All public gatherings, even religious ceremonies&nbsp;are also banned, as are activities including outdoor exercise and selling street food, according to state-run media KPL.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paul-rusesabagina-hotel-rwanda-hero-convicted-on-terror-charges-414458">Also read |&nbsp;Paul Rusesabagina: 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges</a>

The surge in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;over the weekend was linked to fresh clusters found in the country's garment factories, with the bulk of workers infected with the highly contagious Delta strain.

Laos&nbsp;has so far recorded a total of 19,399&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 16 deaths.

According to the country's health ministry, it has administered more than 4.5 million vaccine doses,&nbsp;mostly Sinopharm donated from neighbouring China and the Pfizer-BioNTech jab obtained via the Covax programme for low-income countries.

State-run media reported that any violation of Vientiane's lockdown would result in a fine of three million kip, a punishing fee in a country where the annual income per capita is about $2,600.

Reclusive Laos has locked down its capital Vientiane and barred travel between Covid-hit provinces, as cases soared to a record high. The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60 cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing.

Reclusive Laos has locked down its capital Vientiane and barred travel between Covid-hit provinces, as cases soared to a record high. The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60 cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing. But a surge since mid-April has seen its caseload steadily increase, and on Saturday the country reported 467 new cases of community infection, its highest ever single-day tally. The mayor of Vientiane, where the bulk of the cases were detected, declared a strict lockdown on Sunday for two weeks, ordering residents to stay in their homes unless obtaining food, medicine or making their way to a hospital. Travel between seven other hard-hit provinces is banned, while entry into Vientiane requires a quarantine of 14 days. All public gatherings, even religious ceremonies are also banned, as are activities including outdoor exercise and selling street food, according to state-run media KPL. Also read | Paul Rusesabagina: 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges The surge in cases over the weekend was linked to fresh clusters found in the country's garment factories, with the bulk of workers infected with the highly contagious Delta strain. Laos has so far recorded a total of 19,399 cases and 16 deaths. According to the country's health ministry, it has administered more than 4.5 million vaccine doses, mostly Sinopharm donated from neighbouring China and the Pfizer-BioNTech jab obtained via the Covax programme for low-income countries. State-run media reported that any violation of Vientiane's lockdown would result in a fine of three million kip, a punishing fee in a country where the annual income per capita is about $2,600.

Laos locks down capital as COVID-19 cases hit record high

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet virtually with Southeast Asian officials every day next week, a senior state department official said on Saturday, as Washington seeks to show the region it’s a US priority while also addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

The top US diplomat will attend virtual meetings for five consecutive days, including annual meetings of the 10 foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other nations and separate meetings of the Lower Mekong subregion countries Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/singapore-says-asean-aims-to-speed-up-plan-to-end-myanmar-crisis-396602">Singapore says ASEAN aims to speed up plan to end Myanmar crisis</a>

"I think it's a clear demonstration of our commitment to the region," said the official, who briefed Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

In recent years top US officials have not always attended&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;meetings and have sometimes sent more junior officials to the region's summits.

The virtual meetings come after the Biden administration in its early days was seen as paying little attention to the region of more than 600 million people, which is often overshadowed by neighbouring economic giant China, which the administration sees as its major foreign policy challenge.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-to-attend-asean-meetings-402222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But that has been partly addressed by recent visits to the region. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand in May and June, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Vietnam and the Philippines this week, and Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Singapore and Vietnam.

"That steady flow of high-level engagement is going to pay dividends. It's noticed," the official said, adding that countries in the region "notice when we don't show up and that's when you start hearing some complaining maybe about not taking them seriously or taking them for granted."

The official said that donations of COVID-19 vaccines to the region had been a "game changer in terms of how our image is perceived."

On Sunday, the United States shipped 3 million doses of the Moderna <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> to Vietnam and it has sent doses to other Southeast Asian countries too, but an agreement it reached in March with Japan and Australia and India to provide a billion doses to the region stalled due to an Indian export ban

By mid-next week the United States will have donated 23 million doses to countries in the region, which is experiencing a surge of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> with vaccination rates well below countries in the West, the official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-ruler-pledges-elections-asean-cooperation-in-speech-six-months-after-coup-402105">Myanmar army ruler pledges elections, ASEAN cooperation in speech six months after coup</a>

But none of those doses have gone to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, where military generals staged a coup on Feb. 1 and detained elected leaders including Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking sanctions from Washington and other Western capitals.

The meetings next week will see Blinken in the same virtual meetings as representatives of Myanmar’s military government, but the official said rather than bestowing legitimacy on those officials, this was an opportunity to get messages to the military government.

"We're not prepared to walk away from&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;because of the bad behavior of a group of generals in Burma," the official said, adding that US officials were also engaging with the National Unity Government that opposes the military government there.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet virtually with Southeast Asian officials every day next week, a senior state department official said on Saturday, as Washington seeks to show the region it’s a US priority while also addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet virtually with Southeast Asian officials every day next week, a senior state department official said on Saturday, as Washington seeks to show the region it’s a US priority while also addressing the crisis in Myanmar. The top US diplomat will attend virtual meetings for five consecutive days, including annual meetings of the 10 foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other nations and separate meetings of the Lower Mekong subregion countries Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Also read | Singapore says ASEAN aims to speed up plan to end Myanmar crisis "I think it's a clear demonstration of our commitment to the region," said the official, who briefed Reuters on the condition of anonymity. In recent years top US officials have not always attended ASEAN meetings and have sometimes sent more junior officials to the region's summits. The virtual meetings come after the Biden administration in its early days was seen as paying little attention to the region of more than 600 million people, which is often overshadowed by neighbouring economic giant China, which the administration sees as its major foreign policy challenge. But that has been partly addressed by recent visits to the region. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand in May and June, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Vietnam and the Philippines this week, and Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Singapore and Vietnam. "That steady flow of high-level engagement is going to pay dividends. It's noticed," the official said, adding that countries in the region "notice when we don't show up and that's when you start hearing some complaining maybe about not taking them seriously or taking them for granted." The official said that donations of COVID-19 vaccines to the region had been a "game changer in terms of how our image is perceived." On Sunday, the United States shipped 3 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Vietnam and it has sent doses to other Southeast Asian countries too, but an agreement it reached in March with Japan and Australia and India to provide a billion doses to the region stalled due to an Indian export ban By mid-next week the United States will have donated 23 million doses to countries in the region, which is experiencing a surge of the coronavirus with vaccination rates well below countries in the West, the official said. Also read | Myanmar army ruler pledges elections, ASEAN cooperation in speech six months after coup But none of those doses have gone to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, where military generals staged a coup on Feb. 1 and detained elected leaders including Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking sanctions from Washington and other Western capitals. The meetings next week will see Blinken in the same virtual meetings as representatives of Myanmar’s military government, but the official said rather than bestowing legitimacy on those officials, this was an opportunity to get messages to the military government. "We're not prepared to walk away from ASEAN because of the bad behavior of a group of generals in Burma," the official said, adding that US officials were also engaging with the National Unity Government that opposes the military government there.

US top diplomat Blinken to court Southeast Asia in virtual meetings next week

Vietnam&nbsp;has extended the quarantine period for anyone arriving in the country to three weeks, authorities said Wednesday, following a fresh community outbreak of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

The nation has so far kept case numbers low,&nbsp;recording&nbsp;just over 3,000 cases and 35 deaths, thanks to strict quarantine measures and extensive contact tracing.

But&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;reported its first community outbreak in weeks last Thursday, and other clusters have since emerged.

Several cases have been linked to people who tested positive after their two-week stay in hotel quarantine had ended.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vietnamese-envoy-gets-first-dose-of-indian-covid-19-vaccine-covaxin-377081">Vietnamese envoy gets first dose of Indian COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin</a>

"The Ministry of Health has decided to extend the period of mandatory quarantine for people who have made close contact with COVID-19 patients and people who have entered&nbsp;Vietnam," said health minister Nguyen Thanh Long.

The new quarantine period will be 21 days.

The announcement came after one of the country's best hospitals,&nbsp;which has treated many COVID-19 patients, went into lockdown Wednesday after a doctor tested positive for the virus.

Fourteen others at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi were later found to be infected.

About 800 medical workers, patients as well as any relatives who were visiting at the time the lockdown was announced must remain in the hospital for two weeks, authorities said.

Vietnam&nbsp;has also detected cases in the community of a COVID-19 variant believed to be behind a devastating surge in infections in India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnams-pandemic-response-leader-sworn-in-as-president-375407">Vietnam's pandemic response leader sworn in as president</a>

The last community outbreak, centred on the northern city of Hai Duong, was successfully contained last month.

But the country has been on high alert amid a spiralling outbreak in other parts of Southeast Asia including Cambodia and Laos, which both share a border with&nbsp;Vietnam.

Vietnam has extended the quarantine period for anyone arriving in the country to three weeks, authorities said Wednesday, following a fresh community outbreak of the coronavirus.

Vietnam has extended the quarantine period for anyone arriving in the country to three weeks, authorities said Wednesday, following a fresh community outbreak of the coronavirus. The nation has so far kept case numbers low, recording just over 3,000 cases and 35 deaths, thanks to strict quarantine measures and extensive contact tracing. But Vietnam reported its first community outbreak in weeks last Thursday, and other clusters have since emerged. Several cases have been linked to people who tested positive after their two-week stay in hotel quarantine had ended. Also read | Vietnamese envoy gets first dose of Indian COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin "The Ministry of Health has decided to extend the period of mandatory quarantine for people who have made close contact with COVID-19 patients and people who have entered Vietnam," said health minister Nguyen Thanh Long. The new quarantine period will be 21 days. The announcement came after one of the country's best hospitals, which has treated many COVID-19 patients, went into lockdown Wednesday after a doctor tested positive for the virus. Fourteen others at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi were later found to be infected. About 800 medical workers, patients as well as any relatives who were visiting at the time the lockdown was announced must remain in the hospital for two weeks, authorities said. Vietnam has also detected cases in the community of a COVID-19 variant believed to be behind a devastating surge in infections in India. Also read | Vietnam's pandemic response leader sworn in as president The last community outbreak, centred on the northern city of Hai Duong, was successfully contained last month. But the country has been on high alert amid a spiralling outbreak in other parts of Southeast Asia including Cambodia and Laos, which both share a border with Vietnam.

Vietnam extends quarantine for arrivals after new virus outbreak

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-thailand-at-start-of-asia-trip-263302">Thai border early Thursday</a>, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok.

There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake hit at 6:50 am.

But tremors could be felt more than 700 kilometres&nbsp;away in the Thai capital, where Pope Francis is currently on a four-day visit.&nbsp;

"The shaking... was the main shock from a quake in Laos at 6:50 am and was felt in northern and northeastern Thailand and Bangkok and suburbs," said Sophon Chaila, an official at the Thai Meteorological Department.

"As of now there is no report of damage," Sophon said.

The department said the quake-affected nine provinces in Thailand and there were four lesser aftershocks. It also became a top trending topic on Twitter in Thailand.

Residents in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi also felt buildings sway.&nbsp;

"The ceiling lights were shaking quite strongly. I felt dizzy and scared," said Hanoi resident Tran Hoa Phuong, who felt the earthquake in her 27-storey apartment building.&nbsp;

It hit about three hours after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the same region of Laos, near the site of the large Xayaburi dam project, which reported no damage so far.&nbsp;

Information is slow to trickle out of the closed communist state, and there were similarly no official reports of damage or injuries after the twin quakes hit early Thursday.

Impoverished Laos has ploughed ahead with ambitious dam-building projects that critics say lack transparency and stringent safety measures.

The cost was laid bare last year when a massive hydropower project collapsed in southern Laos, killing dozens and leaving thousands homeless.

Pope Francis arrived in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-suspects-arrested-for-rebel-attacks-in-thailands-south-260958">Bangkok</a> on Wednesday and has a busy agenda Thursday meeting officials and the Thai king before he leads a mass in the evening.&nbsp;

There was no word from his team on whether he felt the quake.&nbsp;

Powerful earthquakes occasionally strike hard in Southeast Asia.

In 2016 a 6.8-magnitude quake struck Myanmar, killing at least three people and damaging temples in the ancient temple town of Bagan.&nbsp;

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the Thai border early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok.

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the Thai border early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok. There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake hit at 6:50 am. But tremors could be felt more than 700 kilometres away in the Thai capital, where Pope Francis is currently on a four-day visit. "The shaking... was the main shock from a quake in Laos at 6:50 am and was felt in northern and northeastern Thailand and Bangkok and suburbs," said Sophon Chaila, an official at the Thai Meteorological Department. "As of now there is no report of damage," Sophon said. The department said the quake-affected nine provinces in Thailand and there were four lesser aftershocks. It also became a top trending topic on Twitter in Thailand. Residents in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi also felt buildings sway. "The ceiling lights were shaking quite strongly. I felt dizzy and scared," said Hanoi resident Tran Hoa Phuong, who felt the earthquake in her 27-storey apartment building. It hit about three hours after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the same region of Laos, near the site of the large Xayaburi dam project, which reported no damage so far. Information is slow to trickle out of the closed communist state, and there were similarly no official reports of damage or injuries after the twin quakes hit early Thursday. Impoverished Laos has ploughed ahead with ambitious dam-building projects that critics say lack transparency and stringent safety measures. The cost was laid bare last year when a massive hydropower project collapsed in southern Laos, killing dozens and leaving thousands homeless. Pope Francis arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday and has a busy agenda Thursday meeting officials and the Thai king before he leads a mass in the evening. There was no word from his team on whether he felt the quake. Powerful earthquakes occasionally strike hard in Southeast Asia. In 2016 a 6.8-magnitude quake struck Myanmar, killing at least three people and damaging temples in the ancient temple town of Bagan.

6.1-magnitude quake hits Thailand-Laos border

A Laos activist is feared to miss in Thailand, rights groups said Friday, calling for an urgent investigation into his whereabouts after a rash of similar disappearances of dissidents in Southeast Asia.

Pro-democracy campaigner Od Sayavong was last seen nearly two weeks ago in Bangkok, where he had been living as he sought resettlement to a third country by the UN refugee agency, rights groups said.&nbsp;

He had been registered as a "person of concern" by the UNHCR in 2017 because of activism focused on Laos, a one-party communist state with little tolerance for dissent.

Od had campaigned for democracy and lobbied for the right of migrant workers from Laos, according to a joint statement from the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Lao Movement for Human Rights (LMHR).

The statement suggested Thai authorities may have handed Od back to Laos, sparking fears he could be "the latest casualty of increased cooperation between the government of Thailand and its regional counterparts".

Thailand and its neighbours have been accused of swapping exiled dissidents in recent years as tolerance for political activism shrivels across Southeast Asia.

The UNHCR did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Od's case, while an officer at the police station near his home said no migrants had been arrested there in the past month.

His disappearance follows a spate of similar cases in recent years.

Five Thai activists have disappeared from their homes in Laos since 2016, and in December two of their corpses were found in the Mekong river in Thailand.

Their stomachs had been stuffed with concrete.

Rights groups believe three others have been deported from Vietnam to Thailand although both governments deny any knowledge of their whereabouts.

A Thai activist folk band who went into hiding in Laos also fled to France to apply for asylum.

And a Vietnamese political blogger who vanished in Thailand earlier this year turned up in a Hanoi jail in March.

Defence ministry spokesperson Kongcheep Tantravanich denied knowledge of Od's case and said Thailand does not have a policy to "suppress political refugees" from other countries.

A Laos activist is feared to miss in Thailand, rights groups said Friday, calling for an urgent investigation into his whereabouts after a rash of similar disappearances of dissidents in Southeast Asia.

A Laos activist is feared to miss in Thailand, rights groups said Friday, calling for an urgent investigation into his whereabouts after a rash of similar disappearances of dissidents in Southeast Asia. Pro-democracy campaigner Od Sayavong was last seen nearly two weeks ago in Bangkok, where he had been living as he sought resettlement to a third country by the UN refugee agency, rights groups said. He had been registered as a "person of concern" by the UNHCR in 2017 because of activism focused on Laos, a one-party communist state with little tolerance for dissent. Od had campaigned for democracy and lobbied for the right of migrant workers from Laos, according to a joint statement from the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Lao Movement for Human Rights (LMHR). The statement suggested Thai authorities may have handed Od back to Laos, sparking fears he could be "the latest casualty of increased cooperation between the government of Thailand and its regional counterparts". Thailand and its neighbours have been accused of swapping exiled dissidents in recent years as tolerance for political activism shrivels across Southeast Asia. The UNHCR did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Od's case, while an officer at the police station near his home said no migrants had been arrested there in the past month. His disappearance follows a spate of similar cases in recent years. Five Thai activists have disappeared from their homes in Laos since 2016, and in December two of their corpses were found in the Mekong river in Thailand. Their stomachs had been stuffed with concrete. Rights groups believe three others have been deported from Vietnam to Thailand although both governments deny any knowledge of their whereabouts. A Thai activist folk band who went into hiding in Laos also fled to France to apply for asylum. And a Vietnamese political blogger who vanished in Thailand earlier this year turned up in a Hanoi jail in March. Defence ministry spokesperson Kongcheep Tantravanich denied knowledge of Od's case and said Thailand does not have a policy to "suppress political refugees" from other countries.

Laos activist feared missing in Thailand: Rights groups

A Bangkok court on Tuesday granted a Japanese man &quot;sole parent&quot; rights to 13 children he fathered through Thai surrogate mothers, a ruling that paves the way for him to take custody of the group.

Mitsutoki Shigeta caused a &quot;baby factory&quot; scandal in 2014 after Thai police said DNA samples linked him to nine infants found in a Bangkok apartment, plus at least four other babies born by surrogates.

The murky case threw the spotlight on Thailand&#39;s then unregulated rent-a-womb industry, and helped push authorities to bar foreigners from paying for Thai surrogates in 2015.

Shigeta, the son of a Japanese tycoon, left the country in the wake of the scandal but later sued Thailand&#39;s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for custody of the children.

&quot;For the happiness and opportunities which the 13 children will receive from their biological father, who does not have a history of bad behaviour, the court rules that all 13 born from surrogacy to be legal children of the plaintiff,&quot; Bangkok&#39;s Central Juvenile Court said in a statement.

Shigeta, who did not attend the trial in person, was deemed the &quot;sole parent&quot; of the children after the Thai surrogates had signed away their rights, the court said.

As he comes from a wealthy family, he has ample money and has prepared nurses and nannies to care for the children in Japan, the ruling stated.

Shigeta&#39;s lawyer said he would contact the Social Welfare Ministry, who has taken care of the children since the scandal broke in 2014, about the next steps in transferring them from state custody.

Shigeta hired the Thai surrogates before the kingdom banned the lucrative trade in 2015, following a string of scandals and custody tussles.

Surrogacy agencies quickly migrated to neighbouring Cambodia, who followed suit and barred the industry in 2016.

In recent months there have been signs the industry has shifted to Laos, an opaque communist country with no restrictions on surrogacy.&nbsp;

Some surrogacy agencies are now offering services to carry out the embryo transfer in Laos and then provide pregnancy care for the surrogate in Thailand, a wealthier country with vastly superior medical facilities.

Mitsutoki Shigeta caused a 'baby factory' scandal in 2014 after Thai police said DNA samples linked him to nine infants found in a Bangkok apartment, plus at least four other babies born by surrogates

A Bangkok court on Tuesday granted a Japanese man "sole parent" rights to 13 children he fathered through Thai surrogate mothers, a ruling that paves the way for him to take custody of the group. Mitsutoki Shigeta caused a "baby factory" scandal in 2014 after Thai police said DNA samples linked him to nine infants found in a Bangkok apartment, plus at least four other babies born by surrogates. The murky case threw the spotlight on Thailand's then unregulated rent-a-womb industry, and helped push authorities to bar foreigners from paying for Thai surrogates in 2015. Shigeta, the son of a Japanese tycoon, left the country in the wake of the scandal but later sued Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for custody of the children. "For the happiness and opportunities which the 13 children will receive from their biological father, who does not have a history of bad behaviour, the court rules that all 13 born from surrogacy to be legal children of the plaintiff," Bangkok's Central Juvenile Court said in a statement. Shigeta, who did not attend the trial in person, was deemed the "sole parent" of the children after the Thai surrogates had signed away their rights, the court said. As he comes from a wealthy family, he has ample money and has prepared nurses and nannies to care for the children in Japan, the ruling stated. Shigeta's lawyer said he would contact the Social Welfare Ministry, who has taken care of the children since the scandal broke in 2014, about the next steps in transferring them from state custody. Shigeta hired the Thai surrogates before the kingdom banned the lucrative trade in 2015, following a string of scandals and custody tussles. Surrogacy agencies quickly migrated to neighbouring Cambodia, who followed suit and barred the industry in 2016. In recent months there have been signs the industry has shifted to Laos, an opaque communist country with no restrictions on surrogacy. Some surrogacy agencies are now offering services to carry out the embryo transfer in Laos and then provide pregnancy care for the surrogate in Thailand, a wealthier country with vastly superior medical facilities.

Japanese 'baby factory' man wins custody of 13 kids born to Thai surrogates

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of&nbsp;India-ASEAN relations and its partnership.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January.

Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations.

The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot.

During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists&rsquo; Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall.

Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader.

India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of India-ASEAN relations and its partnership. Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January. Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25. During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations. The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot. During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall. Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader. India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of ASEAN countries to participate in two-day summit in Delhi

Cambodia&#39;s prime minister on Friday issued a six-day ultimatum to Laos to pull back troops who have allegedly trespassed into a border area or face a military response.

Around 30 Laos soldiers have been stationed in Cambodia&#39;s northern Stung Treng province since April despite repeated requests by Phnom Penh for them to leave, according to strongman premier Hun Sen.&nbsp;

&quot;I appeal to Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to withdraw troops from Cambodian territory without any conditions,&quot; Hun Sen said during a ceremony in Phnom Penh.

Military commanders have been ordered to deploy troops along with multiple rocket launchers to the border area, he said, giving Laos the &quot;ultimatum&quot; of pulling out by August 17.

&quot;We are friends, but a friend cannot step on (our) head,&quot; said the mercurial leader, who often leans on ultra-nationalist rhetoric to drum up support, especially ahead of election season.

&quot;We are not waging war, but we just want our land back,&quot; he said, adding that he was running out of patience with &quot;the invasion&quot; by Laos troops.

According to Hun Sen, the Laos soldiers crossed into Cambodia to halt the construction of a road.&nbsp;

Later on Friday, Cambodia&#39;s foreign ministry announced that Hun Sen would fly to the Laos capital Vientiane on Saturday to meet with his counterpart to hash out a solution. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cambodia and Laos share a 540-kilometre land border but large tracts have not been officially demarcated, leading to territorial squabbles.

The border is hard to police, with increasing amounts of drugs -- mainly methamphetamine and heroin -- being moved from Laos into Cambodia.

For years Cambodia was locked in a bitter territorial dispute with Thailand over the ancient Preah Vihear temple near their shared border, with 28 people killed in the worst clashes in 2011.

In 2013 the UN&#39;s top court ruled that the area belonged to Cambodia and ordered Thai troops to leave.

According to Hun Sen, the Laos soldiers crossed into Cambodia to halt the construction of a road

Cambodia's prime minister on Friday issued a six-day ultimatum to Laos to pull back troops who have allegedly trespassed into a border area or face a military response. Around 30 Laos soldiers have been stationed in Cambodia's northern Stung Treng province since April despite repeated requests by Phnom Penh for them to leave, according to strongman premier Hun Sen. "I appeal to Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to withdraw troops from Cambodian territory without any conditions," Hun Sen said during a ceremony in Phnom Penh. Military commanders have been ordered to deploy troops along with multiple rocket launchers to the border area, he said, giving Laos the "ultimatum" of pulling out by August 17. "We are friends, but a friend cannot step on (our) head," said the mercurial leader, who often leans on ultra-nationalist rhetoric to drum up support, especially ahead of election season. "We are not waging war, but we just want our land back," he said, adding that he was running out of patience with "the invasion" by Laos troops. According to Hun Sen, the Laos soldiers crossed into Cambodia to halt the construction of a road. Later on Friday, Cambodia's foreign ministry announced that Hun Sen would fly to the Laos capital Vientiane on Saturday to meet with his counterpart to hash out a solution. Cambodia and Laos share a 540-kilometre land border but large tracts have not been officially demarcated, leading to territorial squabbles. The border is hard to police, with increasing amounts of drugs -- mainly methamphetamine and heroin -- being moved from Laos into Cambodia. For years Cambodia was locked in a bitter territorial dispute with Thailand over the ancient Preah Vihear temple near their shared border, with 28 people killed in the worst clashes in 2011. In 2013 the UN's top court ruled that the area belonged to Cambodia and ordered Thai troops to leave.

Cambodia PM gives ultimatum to Laos over 'border invasion'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama will hold a bilateral meeting today on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos. 
 
At the gala dinner hosted by Laos Prime Minister Thonglun Sisoulith on Wednesday, the two world leaders were seen bonding. 
 
President Obama also met Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte&nbsp;on Wednesday, after their initial meeting was cancelled by the White House on account of Duterte&nbsp;insulting Obama. 
 
Dutarte&#39;s outburst was in response to comments by Obama&#39;s aides that the President planned to raise concerns about Duterte&#39;s drug war that has claimed 3,000 lives in just over two months. 
 
&quot;You must be respectful. Do not just throw away questions and statements. Son of a whore, I will curse you in that forum,&quot; he said. 
 
Meanwhile, Philippines&#39; foreign minister Perfecto Yasay said, &quot;I&#39;m very happy that it happened,&quot; referring to their brief meeting. 
&quot;It all springs from the fact that the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is firm, very strong.&quot; 
 
(dna) 
&nbsp;

At the gala dinner hosted by Laos Prime Minister Thonglun Sisoulith on Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister and US President were seen bonding

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama will hold a bilateral meeting today on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos. At the gala dinner hosted by Laos Prime Minister Thonglun Sisoulith on Wednesday, the two world leaders were seen bonding. President Obama also met Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, after their initial meeting was cancelled by the White House on account of Duterte insulting Obama. Dutarte's outburst was in response to comments by Obama's aides that the President planned to raise concerns about Duterte's drug war that has claimed 3,000 lives in just over two months. "You must be respectful. Do not just throw away questions and statements. Son of a whore, I will curse you in that forum," he said. Meanwhile, Philippines' foreign minister Perfecto Yasay said, "I'm very happy that it happened," referring to their brief meeting. "It all springs from the fact that the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is firm, very strong." (dna)

US, India to hold bilateral talks in Laos

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with Burmese State Counselor and foreign minister Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the ongoing 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) and Post-Ministerial Conferences (PMC) in Vientiane, Laos on Sunday, both promising to strengthen ties and cooperation. 
 
Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping&rsquo;s greetings to Suu Kyi. 
 
He said that China and Myanmar have a deep friendship and maintain understanding, respect, and support for one another. 
 
Wang congratulated Suu Kyi&rsquo;s new government for keeping an upbeat situation in its first 100 days and wished Myanmar further progress in its development. 
 
Wang expressed China&rsquo;s goodwill to become a trusted partner of Myanmar in its development progress, saying that China is willing to increase high-level communication and push forward practical cooperation in all fields. 
 
Suu Kyi said that China is Myanmar&rsquo;s largest friendly neighbour, and the people from two countries share strong links with each other, adding that Myanmar appreciates China&rsquo;s support and aid in its economic development as well as national reconciliation. 
 
Suu Kyi said she hopes China will continue to give Myanmar support as a good friend of the country. Myanmar is willing to work with China to continue to strengthen their relationship and pass down the traditional friendship between the two nations to later generations, she added. 
 
&#39;Media focus on South China Sea very strange&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Wang during bilateral meetings with ASEAN members on Sunday said he thought the media focus on the South China Sea issue was &quot;very strange&quot;. 
 
&quot;You should focus on China-ASEAN cooperation,&quot; he said. 
 
Southeast Asian nations failed to agree on maritime disputes in the South China Sea on Sunday after Cambodia blocked any mention to an international court ruling against Beijing in their statement, diplomats said. 
 
Foreign ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met for the first time since the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration handed an emphatic legal victory to the Philippines in the dispute this month. 
 
The ruling by the court in The Hague denied China&#39;s sweeping claims in the strategic seaway, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes each year. 
 
China claims most of the sea, but ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei all have rival claims. Beijing says the ruling has no bearing on its rights in the sea, and described the case as a farce. 
 
(Reuters)

Foreign ministers of 10-member ASEAN met for first time since the Hague ruling on maritime disputes in the South China Sea

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with Burmese State Counselor and foreign minister Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the ongoing 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) and Post-Ministerial Conferences (PMC) in Vientiane, Laos on Sunday, both promising to strengthen ties and cooperation. Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s greetings to Suu Kyi. He said that China and Myanmar have a deep friendship and maintain understanding, respect, and support for one another. Wang congratulated Suu Kyi’s new government for keeping an upbeat situation in its first 100 days and wished Myanmar further progress in its development. Wang expressed China’s goodwill to become a trusted partner of Myanmar in its development progress, saying that China is willing to increase high-level communication and push forward practical cooperation in all fields. Suu Kyi said that China is Myanmar’s largest friendly neighbour, and the people from two countries share strong links with each other, adding that Myanmar appreciates China’s support and aid in its economic development as well as national reconciliation. Suu Kyi said she hopes China will continue to give Myanmar support as a good friend of the country. Myanmar is willing to work with China to continue to strengthen their relationship and pass down the traditional friendship between the two nations to later generations, she added. 'Media focus on South China Sea very strange' Wang during bilateral meetings with ASEAN members on Sunday said he thought the media focus on the South China Sea issue was "very strange". "You should focus on China-ASEAN cooperation," he said. Southeast Asian nations failed to agree on maritime disputes in the South China Sea on Sunday after Cambodia blocked any mention to an international court ruling against Beijing in their statement, diplomats said. Foreign ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met for the first time since the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration handed an emphatic legal victory to the Philippines in the dispute this month. The ruling by the court in The Hague denied China's sweeping claims in the strategic seaway, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes each year. China claims most of the sea, but ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei all have rival claims. Beijing says the ruling has no bearing on its rights in the sea, and described the case as a farce. (Reuters)

China promises to strengthen ties with Myanmar

Southeast Asian nations were deadlocked today over how to confront sabre-rattling in the South China Sea as pressure from Beijing again drove a wedge between countries on the region&#39;s most contentious security issue. 
 
The gathering in Vientiane is the first time regional players -- including China and the United States -- have met en masse since a UN-backed tribunal delivered a hammer blow to Beijing&#39;s claim to vast swathes of the strategic sea. 
 
The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) boasts four countries who have competing claims with Beijing over parts of the strategic sea and is fiercely divided on the issue. 
 
Rival claimants have accused China of deftly forging alliances with smaller countries like Laos, this year&#39;s host, and Cambodia through aid and loans to divide the the once consensus-driven bloc. 
 
Chinese pressure was blamed last month for a startling show of ASEAN discord when countries swiftly disowned a joint statement released by Malaysia after an ASEAN-China meeting. 
 
That statement had expressed alarm over Beijing&#39;s activities in the South China Sea. Cambodia and Laos were later fingered as being behind moves to block the joint statement. 
 
&#39;Back to negotiation table&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Those divisions were on stark display once more in the Laos capital with insiders accusing Cambodia of scuppering moves to include a response to the tribunal ruling in a joint communique, expected at the end of today&#39;s meeting. 
 
&quot;We need to put our house in order,&quot; one diplomat involved in discussions told AFP today. &quot;But we still have not agreed on anything.&quot; 
 
Another ASEAN diplomat added: &quot;We remain deadlocked. We&#39;re back to the negotiating table.&quot; 
 
A working draft of the current joint communique obtained by AFP on Saturday showed the section titled &quot;South China Sea&quot; as blank. 
 
The impasse in Vientiane has led to fears of a repeat of a 2012 summit in Cambodia where the bloc failed to issue a joint statement for the first time in its history because of disagreements over the South China Sea. A failure by ASEAN to respond to the tribunal will do little to counter criticism that the bloc risks veering into obscurity as a talking shop with little real diplomatic clout. 
 
The UN tribunal ruling earlier this month infuriated Beijing but was a victory for the Philippines, which brought the case, and fellow ASEAN members Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia who also claim parts of the South China Sea. 
 
The bloc&#39;s paralysis on how to respond comes as China ratchets up its rhetoric and military manoeuvres in the sea whilst hitting out at the US which has backed rival claimants and argued for free passage through what it considers international waters. 
 
US likely to push ASEAN to ease tensions&nbsp; 
 
US Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in Laos tommorow&nbsp;morning. It is not yet clear whether he will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi who is also attending. 
 
A State Department official over the weekend said the US would push for ASEAN to ease tensions over the South China Sea and find common ground. 
 
But Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin warned ASEAN against being influence by outside powers, a clear rebuke to Washington. 
 
&quot;They (ASEAN) should in particular guard against the intervention in regional cooperation by big powers outside the region,&quot; he said according to the Xinhua news agency. 
 
ASEAN boasts a diverse array of countries ranging from communist one party states like Laos, to the Islamic sultanate of Brunei, military junta-led Thailand and raucous democracies like Indonesia and the Philippines. 
 
Its ability to deal with Beijing is seen as a litmus test for whether it can jointly confront other pressing regional challenges outside of trade. 
 
At the summit opening Laos foreign minister Saleumxay Kommasith listed the hurdles facing the bloc as &quot;territorial disputes, extremism and terrorism, natural disasters, climate change... refugee issues&quot;. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

10-member ASEAN boasts four countries who have competing claims with Beijing over parts of the strategic sea

Southeast Asian nations were deadlocked today over how to confront sabre-rattling in the South China Sea as pressure from Beijing again drove a wedge between countries on the region's most contentious security issue. The gathering in Vientiane is the first time regional players -- including China and the United States -- have met en masse since a UN-backed tribunal delivered a hammer blow to Beijing's claim to vast swathes of the strategic sea. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) boasts four countries who have competing claims with Beijing over parts of the strategic sea and is fiercely divided on the issue. Rival claimants have accused China of deftly forging alliances with smaller countries like Laos, this year's host, and Cambodia through aid and loans to divide the the once consensus-driven bloc. Chinese pressure was blamed last month for a startling show of ASEAN discord when countries swiftly disowned a joint statement released by Malaysia after an ASEAN-China meeting. That statement had expressed alarm over Beijing's activities in the South China Sea. Cambodia and Laos were later fingered as being behind moves to block the joint statement. 'Back to negotiation table' Those divisions were on stark display once more in the Laos capital with insiders accusing Cambodia of scuppering moves to include a response to the tribunal ruling in a joint communique, expected at the end of today's meeting. "We need to put our house in order," one diplomat involved in discussions told AFP today. "But we still have not agreed on anything." Another ASEAN diplomat added: "We remain deadlocked. We're back to the negotiating table." A working draft of the current joint communique obtained by AFP on Saturday showed the section titled "South China Sea" as blank. The impasse in Vientiane has led to fears of a repeat of a 2012 summit in Cambodia where the bloc failed to issue a joint statement for the first time in its history because of disagreements over the South China Sea. A failure by ASEAN to respond to the tribunal will do little to counter criticism that the bloc risks veering into obscurity as a talking shop with little real diplomatic clout. The UN tribunal ruling earlier this month infuriated Beijing but was a victory for the Philippines, which brought the case, and fellow ASEAN members Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia who also claim parts of the South China Sea. The bloc's paralysis on how to respond comes as China ratchets up its rhetoric and military manoeuvres in the sea whilst hitting out at the US which has backed rival claimants and argued for free passage through what it considers international waters. US likely to push ASEAN to ease tensions US Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in Laos tommorow morning. It is not yet clear whether he will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi who is also attending. A State Department official over the weekend said the US would push for ASEAN to ease tensions over the South China Sea and find common ground. But Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin warned ASEAN against being influence by outside powers, a clear rebuke to Washington. "They (ASEAN) should in particular guard against the intervention in regional cooperation by big powers outside the region," he said according to the Xinhua news agency. ASEAN boasts a diverse array of countries ranging from communist one party states like Laos, to the Islamic sultanate of Brunei, military junta-led Thailand and raucous democracies like Indonesia and the Philippines. Its ability to deal with Beijing is seen as a litmus test for whether it can jointly confront other pressing regional challenges outside of trade. At the summit opening Laos foreign minister Saleumxay Kommasith listed the hurdles facing the bloc as "territorial disputes, extremism and terrorism, natural disasters, climate change... refugee issues". (AFP)

South China sea split deepens at ASEAN summit

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