Indonesia Demands Consistent Application of International Law at the East Asia Summit
Gambar Lao PDR's capital, Vientiane "The Indo-Pacific area is currently dealing with a number of difficulties. At the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Saturday, July 27, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi said, "Our journey ahead is fraught with turbulence and significant waves." The Indo-Pacific area is a hub for global growth both today and in the future, stressed Minister Marsudi. Global conflicts, however, have made the situation worse and are impeding our ability to resolve these issues. A worrying trend, according to Minister Marsudi, is "great powers dominating the smaller ones," which is indicative of a hegemonic inclination that ought to be relegated to the past. "We are witnessing rising rivalries, increasing distrust, and the potential for dangerous miscalculations," she said. The EAS, one of the most important forums in the area, is anticipated to improve collaboration,