FX.co ★ Kerry in Laos to discuss bomb legacy, ASEAN partnership

The talks laid the groundwork for a special ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit, next month in California that will be hosted by President Barack Obama.

US Secretary of State John Kerry sat down Monday to discuss the deadly legacy of unexploded American bombs in Laos and China's influence in Southeast Asia.

The ASEAN members are concerned about China’s territorial claims, which have since included the building of artificial islands suitable for military use. Kerry travelled to Cambodia later on Monday as part of his effort to urge ASEAN unity ahead of a summit President Barack Obama has called with leaders of the bloc for Feb. 15-16 in Sunnylands, California.

Kerry heads to Beijing for talks on Wednesday with the leadership there. He is expected to stress the need for a united front in response to this month's North Korean nuclear test through additional UN sanctions. On the photo: John Kerry, January 25th.

Kerry arrived from Saudi Arabia where he reassured his hosts over the enduring strength of their relationship despite the US warming of ties with Iran.