China hosts Asean foreign ministers

• China is hosting foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN countries amid heightened competition between China and US for influence in the region.
• for closer economic cooperation and aligning COVID-19 recovery efforts.
• During recent visits to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, China’s Defence Minister called on both countries to reject “military alliances“ with Quad (informal Group of India, Australia, Japan and United States).

ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations:-

• Established in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
• Regional organization to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states.
• Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”
• Secretariat – Indonesia, Jakarta.