During the annual summit meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the U.S. Secretary of State raised concerns about China's activities in the disputed South China Sea. The U.S. emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the vital sea trade route, which sees about a third of global trade passing through it.
China's expansive claims in the South China Sea have led to tensions with ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Recent confrontations between China and Philippines, as well as Vietnam, have raised fears of potential conflict escalation.
