South China Sea Tensions Dominate ASEAN Meeting

At the ASEAN meeting on July 21, 2026, tensions over the South China Sea overshadowed discussions among the United States, China, and Russia. The United States condemned China over a clash in the South China Sea, while China urged the Philippines to stop provocations. A Global Times editorial called for resisting external interference and deepening China-ASEAN cooperation. The meeting also addressed Russian and Chinese support for Iran.