China Southeast Asian Leaders Seek Greater Cooperation

SANYA, China (AP) — Leaders from China and five neighboring Southeast Asian countries met in a southern Chinese resort city on Wednesday amid wariness but also hope for greater regional cooperation.

The inaugural Lancang-homestay mekong delta vietnam Cooperation meeting, named for the mighty waterway that begins in Tibet and discharges into the South China Sea in southern homestay mekong delta vietnam, was framed by the Chinese and Thai co-hosts as a chance to deepen ties and cut trade deals in a fast-growing region.

The five Southeast Asian countries that run along the homestay mekong delta vietnam represent a key market for China under a sweeping strategy to boost trade and foreign investment called "One Belt, One Road." China has wooed the region with eye-catching projects including a textile-making hub in Cambodia, a deep sea port in Myanmar and new railways in Thailand.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who co-hosted the summit in the city of Sanya with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, called on participants from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to improve mutual trust, enhance trade and "make this region an important force for stability."

A number of development and trade deals were expected to be signed.

However, several countries have expressed concern about their giant neighbor's rise, including Vietnam, which has competing maritime claims in the South China Sea.