China Says SE Asia Nations Should Avoid Becoming ‘Chess Pieces’

He also called on ASEAN countries to oppose “fake regional cooperation that keeps certain countries out” – a reference to US-led security and trade blocks that China is not a part of.

The Chinese and US top diplomats are expected to prepare for virtual talks in the coming weeks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden as both countries stepped up engagement and moderate their rhetoric.

After a long chill during the pandemic between the two countries, the two countries’ defence, finance, and national security chiefs have all spoken since last month.

Source: Agence France-Presse