Rubio and Hegseth meet Australian counterparts with China expected to be focus
Read full article: Rubio and Hegseth meet Australian counterparts with China expected to be focusSecretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are meeting their Australian counterparts for annual talks expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security and countering China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.
US prioritizes visas for fans traveling for the World Cup, Olympics and other events
Read full article: US prioritizes visas for fans traveling for the World Cup, Olympics and other eventsThe Trump administration has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to prioritize visa applications from foreigners wishing to visit the United States to either invest in America or attend the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics and other major sporting events.
Trump is fighting the Institute of Peace in court. Now, his name is on the building
Read full article: Trump is fighting the Institute of Peace in court. Now, his name is on the buildingThe Trump administration has renamed the U.S. Institute of Peace after President Donald Trump and planted the president’s name on the organization’s headquarters despite an ongoing fight over the institute’s control.
US signals broader efforts to protect Nigeria's Christians following Trump's military threat
Read full article: US signals broader efforts to protect Nigeria's Christians following Trump's military threatPresident Donald Trump’s administration is promoting efforts to work with Nigeria’s government to counter violence against Christians.
British Muslim commentator Sami Hamdi agrees to leave US after immigration detention
Read full article: British Muslim commentator Sami Hamdi agrees to leave US after immigration detentionBritish political commentator Sami Hamdi plans to leave the U.S. after spending over two weeks in immigration detention.
Rubio says mediators of Gaza ceasefire shared information to uncover a recent threat
Read full article: Rubio says mediators of Gaza ceasefire shared information to uncover a recent threatSecretary of State Marco Rubio says Israel, the U.S. and the other mediators of the Gaza ceasefire deal are sharing information to disrupt any threats and that allowed them to identify a possible impending attack last weekend.
US imposes sanctions on Colombia’s president and family members over drug trade allegations
Read full article: US imposes sanctions on Colombia’s president and family members over drug trade allegationsThe Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and a government member over drug trade allegations.
US revokes visas for 6 foreigners over Charlie Kirk-related speech
Read full article: US revokes visas for 6 foreigners over Charlie Kirk-related speechThe Trump administration has revoked the visas of six foreigners deemed by U.S. officials to have made derisive comments or made light of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last month.
State Department adviser charged with illegally retaining classified records
Read full article: State Department adviser charged with illegally retaining classified recordsA senior adviser at the State Department and expert on Indian and South Asian affairs is accused by the Justice Department of printing out classified documents and storing more than 1,000 pages of highly sensitive government records in filing cabinets and trash bags at home.
US revokes visa for Colombia's president after he urges American soldiers to disobey Trump
Read full article: US revokes visa for Colombia's president after he urges American soldiers to disobey TrumpTensions between the United States and Colombia have escalated with the State Department saying it was revoking the visa of Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro's visa.
Trump asks the Supreme Court to allow him to enforce transgender and nonbinary passport policy
Read full article: Trump asks the Supreme Court to allow him to enforce transgender and nonbinary passport policyPresident Donald Trump’s administration is asking the Supreme Court to let it enforce a passport policy for transgender and nonbinary people requiring male or female sex designations based on birth certificates.
Trump administration's new global health aid strategy focuses on bilateral deals with countries
Read full article: Trump administration's new global health aid strategy focuses on bilateral deals with countriesThe State Department is refocusing its foreign health assistance programs around multiyear bilateral deals with recipient countries.
Harris says Buttigieg was her 'first choice' for 2024 running mate but the pairing was too risky
Read full article: Harris says Buttigieg was her 'first choice' for 2024 running mate but the pairing was too riskyIn an excerpt of former Vice President Kamala Harris's new book, she says she would have picked Pete Buttigieg as her running mate last year but America wasn’t ready for the pairing.
Shipping companies support a first-ever global fee on greenhouse gases, opposed by Trump officials
Read full article: Shipping companies support a first-ever global fee on greenhouse gases, opposed by Trump officialsNearly 200 shipping companies said Monday they want the world’s largest maritime nations to adopt regulations that include the first-ever global fee on greenhouse gases to reduce their sector’s emissions.
US set to ease travel restrictions on African leader accused of corruption
Read full article: US set to ease travel restrictions on African leader accused of corruptionThe Trump administration is set to allow a West African leader accused of flagrant corruption to travel to the United States for this month’s U.N. General Assembly and cities outside New York that he has previously been barred from visiting.
Judge blocks Trump administration's ending of legal protections for 1.1M Venezuelans and Haitians
Read full article: Judge blocks Trump administration's ending of legal protections for 1.1M Venezuelans and HaitiansA federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary legal protections that have granted more than 1 million people from Haiti and Venezuela the right to live and work in the United States.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting
Read full article: US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meetingThe Trump administration has already denied visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his large delegation to attend the U.N. General Assembly later this month.
Judge orders Trump administration to release billions in foreign aid approved by Congress
Read full article: Judge orders Trump administration to release billions in foreign aid approved by CongressThe Trump administration must release billions of dollars in foreign aid approved by Congress, including money that President Donald Trump said last week he won't spend.
Democratic senator says classified meeting with intel agency is canceled after Loomer's criticism
Read full article: Democratic senator says classified meeting with intel agency is canceled after Loomer's criticismThe top ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee says a classified meeting planned with a key U.S. spy agency was called off after it was criticized by Laura Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist.
Trump administration restrictions on Palestinian visa applicants means nearly all would be refused
Read full article: Trump administration restrictions on Palestinian visa applicants means nearly all would be refusedThe Trump administration is piling new restrictions on Palestinian visa applicants, making it nearly impossible for anyone holding a Palestinian Authority passport from receiving travel documents to visit the U.S. for business, work, pleasure or educational purposes.
US revokes visas of Palestinian president and other officials ahead of UN General Assembly
Read full article: US revokes visas of Palestinian president and other officials ahead of UN General AssemblySecretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of next month’s annual high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, where the Palestinians previously have been represented.
Trump administration announces a $825 million arms sale to Ukraine
Read full article: Trump administration announces a $825 million arms sale to UkraineThe Trump administration has approved a $825 million arms sale to Ukraine, which will include extended-range missiles and related equipment to boost its defensive capabilities.
Trump administration is reviewing all 55 million foreigners with US visas for any violations
Read full article: Trump administration is reviewing all 55 million foreigners with US visas for any violationsThe Trump administration says it’s reviewing more than 55 million foreigners who have valid U.S. visas for any violations that could lead to deportation.
US sanctions more ICC judges, prosecutors for probes into alleged American, Israeli war crimes
Read full article: US sanctions more ICC judges, prosecutors for probes into alleged American, Israeli war crimesThe Trump administration is ramping up pressure on the International Criminal Court for pursuing investigations into U.S. and Israeli officials for alleged war crimes.
Trump administration halts visas for people from Gaza after Laura Loomer questions arrivals
Read full article: Trump administration halts visas for people from Gaza after Laura Loomer questions arrivalsConservative activist Laura Loomer complained on social media about children from Gaza arriving in the U.S. for medical treatment and questioned how they got visas.
US announces sanctions against armed group and companies profiting from conflict minerals in Congo
Read full article: US announces sanctions against armed group and companies profiting from conflict minerals in CongoThe U.S. government has sanctioned an armed group accused of illicit trading in minerals in eastern Congo.
US at plastics treaty talks is rare international participation under Trump. What's the goal?
Read full article: US at plastics treaty talks is rare international participation under Trump. What's the goal?Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the United States has withdrawn from international negotiations and commitments, particularly around climate.
State Department approves $322 million in proposed weapons sales to Ukraine
Read full article: State Department approves $322 million in proposed weapons sales to UkraineThe State Department has approved $322 million in proposed weapons sales to Ukraine to enhance its air defense capabilities and provide armored combat vehicles.
Harvard under investigation over participation in visa program for foreign students and researchers
Read full article: Harvard under investigation over participation in visa program for foreign students and researchersThe State Department says it's investigating whether Harvard University will remain part of a government program that allows foreign nationals to take part in cultural and education exchange programs.
State Department layoffs affect key Trump priorities like intelligence, energy and China
Read full article: State Department layoffs affect key Trump priorities like intelligence, energy and ChinaThe roles of some of the State Department employees fired last week overlap with priorities that President Donald Trump has laid out.
US issues sanctions against UN investigator probing abuses in Gaza
Read full article: US issues sanctions against UN investigator probing abuses in GazaThe Trump administration has announced it is issuing sanctions against an independent investigator tasked with probing human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories.
With public ban on band Bob Vylan, Trump appears to ease visa privacy rules to make a point
Read full article: With public ban on band Bob Vylan, Trump appears to ease visa privacy rules to make a pointThe U.S. State Department's revelation that it has revoked visas for British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan is the latest indication that the Trump administration appears to have eased privacy restrictions to make public points.
Israeli-backed group seeks at least $30 million from US for aid distribution in Gaza
Read full article: Israeli-backed group seeks at least $30 million from US for aid distribution in GazaAn American-led group has asked the Trump administration to step in with an initial $30 million so it can continue its much scrutinized and Israeli-backed aid distribution in Gaza.
Trump administration demands action from 36 countries to avoid travel ban
Read full article: Trump administration demands action from 36 countries to avoid travel banThe Trump administration has given 36 countries, most of them in Africa, a Wednesday deadline to commit to improving vetting or face a ban on their citizens visiting the United States.
Judge blocks State Department from firing workers while injunction is in effect
Read full article: Judge blocks State Department from firing workers while injunction is in effectA federal judge in San Francisco has stopped Secretary of State Marco Rubio from proceeding with plans to downsize the State Department.
US reduces the presence of staffers not deemed essential in the Middle East as tensions rise
Read full article: US reduces the presence of staffers not deemed essential in the Middle East as tensions riseThe United States is drawing down the presence of staffers who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East and their loved ones due to the potential for regional unrest.
US hits International Criminal Court judges with sanctions over investigation into Israel
Read full article: US hits International Criminal Court judges with sanctions over investigation into IsraelThe Trump administration is slapping sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court over the tribunal’s investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.
Immigrant rights groups sue to invalidate Trump administration's El Salvador prison deal
Read full article: Immigrant rights groups sue to invalidate Trump administration's El Salvador prison dealA coalition of immigrant rights groups is suing to invalidate the Trump administration's deal to house detainees in a notorious prison in El Salvador.
The Latest: NPR and stations file lawsuit against Trump, arguing ending federal funding is illegal
Read full article: The Latest: NPR and stations file lawsuit against Trump, arguing ending federal funding is illegalNational Public Radio and three local stations filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, arguing that an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for the organization is illegal.
Biden's office says his 'last known' prostate cancer screening was in 2014
Read full article: Biden's office says his 'last known' prostate cancer screening was in 2014Former President Joe Biden's office says his “last known” prostate cancer screening was in 2014, and he had never been diagnosed with the disease before last week.
Trump can't strip Foreign Service workers of their collective bargaining rights, judge says
Read full article: Trump can't strip Foreign Service workers of their collective bargaining rights, judge saysA federal judge has agreed to temporarily block the Trump administration from stripping Foreign Service employees of their collective bargaining rights.
'Beacon of freedom' dims as US initiatives that promote democracy abroad wither under Trump
Read full article: 'Beacon of freedom' dims as US initiatives that promote democracy abroad wither under TrumpThe United States is pulling back from its role in spreading democratic ideals abroad under President Donald Trump.
Can't go forward, can't go back: Afghan refugees stuck in Qatar wait for a way forward
Read full article: Can't go forward, can't go back: Afghan refugees stuck in Qatar wait for a way forwardWhen President Donald Trump returned to the White House, among the numerous immigration-related executive orders he signed was one suspending the country’s refugee program.
Memorial wall to fallen USAID staffers is removed from the agency's former building
Read full article: Memorial wall to fallen USAID staffers is removed from the agency's former buildingContractors hired by the Trump administration have removed a memorial wall to fallen staffers from the now-closed headquarters of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
US government expands grounds for canceling international students' legal status
Read full article: US government expands grounds for canceling international students' legal statusThe federal government is expanding the reasons international students can be stripped of their legal status in the U.S., where thousands have come under scrutiny in a Trump administration crackdown that has left many afraid of being deported.
Trump administration tells Congress it plans to label Haitian gangs as foreign terror organizations
Read full article: Trump administration tells Congress it plans to label Haitian gangs as foreign terror organizationsThe Trump administration has told Congress that it intends to designate Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
DOGE associate is made acting head of foreign assistance at the State Department, a US official says
Read full article: DOGE associate is made acting head of foreign assistance at the State Department, a US official saysThe Trump administration has expanded the power of adviser Elon Musk’s government-cutting team over the State Department.
White House proposes drastic cuts to State Department and funding for UN, NATO and other groups
Read full article: White House proposes drastic cuts to State Department and funding for UN, NATO and other groupsThe White House’s Office of Management and Budget has proposed gutting the State Department’s budget by almost 50%, closing a number of overseas diplomatic missions, and eliminating funding for nearly all international organizations, including the United Nations, many of its agencies and for NATO headquarters.
State Department wants staff to report instances of alleged anti-Christian bias during Biden's term
Read full article: State Department wants staff to report instances of alleged anti-Christian bias during Biden's termAs the Christian world commemorates Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday, the State Department has issued an appeal for its employees to report instances of alleged anti-Christian bias, including actions taken for opposition to vaccines or personal pronoun choice, that may have occurred during former President Joe Biden’s administration.
US restores urgent food aid, except in Afghanistan and Yemen, two of the world’s poorest countries
Read full article: US restores urgent food aid, except in Afghanistan and Yemen, two of the world’s poorest countriesU.S. President Donald Trump's administration has reversed cuts in emergency food aid to several nations but maintained them in Afghanistan and Yemen, two of the world’s poorest countries.
Trump appointment of junior official to oversee State Department personnel meets resistance
Read full article: Trump appointment of junior official to oversee State Department personnel meets resistanceThe appointment of a junior foreign service officer to serve as the senior official in the State Department’s personnel office is meeting opposition from current and former U.S. diplomats and their union.
Melania Trump says courage is 'based in love' as she honors women from around the world for bravery
Read full article: Melania Trump says courage is 'based in love' as she honors women from around the world for braveryMelania Trump has recognized eight women with the 2025 International Women of Courage Award.
Trump administration says it deported 17 more ‘violent criminals’ to El Salvador
Read full article: Trump administration says it deported 17 more ‘violent criminals’ to El SalvadorThe Trump administration says it has deported 17 more “violent criminals” from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs to El Salvador, as it doubles down on a policy of removing people from the U.S. to third countries despite criticism over lack of transparency and human rights protections.
Trump says the US will help in Asia quake. A former official says the system is now in 'shambles'
Read full article: Trump says the US will help in Asia quake. A former official says the system is now in 'shambles'President Donald Trump says U.S. officials are “going to be helping” with the response to Southeast Asia’s deadly earthquake.
Australia focuses foreign aid spending on Pacific region as US slashes aid programs
Read full article: Australia focuses foreign aid spending on Pacific region as US slashes aid programsAustralia plans to spend a larger share of its foreign aid on its near neighbors in Asia and the Pacific islands after the United States announced major cuts to development and humanitarian aid abroad.
In Jamaica, Marco Rubio vows to revisit US travel warning
Read full article: In Jamaica, Marco Rubio vows to revisit US travel warningU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the State Department will re-evaluate its travel warnings for Jamaica and other countries to ensure they reflect real conditions on the ground.
FBI applauds Mexico's arrest and handover of '10 Most Wanted' gang figure
Read full article: FBI applauds Mexico's arrest and handover of '10 Most Wanted' gang figureFBI Director Kash Patel applauded Mexican authorities Tuesday for the arrest and handover of one of the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” suspects, an alleged gang leader from El Salvador.
Trump's pick for hostage negotiations envoy withdraws nomination but will continue on hostage issues
Read full article: Trump's pick for hostage negotiations envoy withdraws nomination but will continue on hostage issuesAdam Boehler, President Donald Trump’s to become special envoy for hostage affairs, has withdrawn his nomination to avoid a requirement that he divest from his investment business.
Trump overstepped his constitutional authority in freezing Congress' funding for USAID, judge says
Read full article: Trump overstepped his constitutional authority in freezing Congress' funding for USAID, judge saysA federal judge says President Donald Trump overstepped his authority in freezing almost all spending on U.S. humanitarian and development work abroad.
Secretary of State Rubio says purge of USAID programs complete, with 83% of agency's programs gone
Read full article: Secretary of State Rubio says purge of USAID programs complete, with 83% of agency's programs goneSecretary of State Marco Rubio is signaling that the Trump administration has finished its six-week purge of programs of the six-decade-old U.S. Agency for International Development.
FBI committed to bringing home American hostages held in foreign countries, director says
Read full article: FBI committed to bringing home American hostages held in foreign countries, director saysFBI Director Kash Patel says the bureau will work to “zero out” the population of Americans detained or held hostage in foreign countries.
Scientists raise concerns as the US stops sharing air quality data from embassies worldwide
Read full article: Scientists raise concerns as the US stops sharing air quality data from embassies worldwideThe U.S. government’s decision to stop sharing air quality data from embassies and consulates worldwide is worrying some local scientists and experts who say the data was vital for people to be aware of air quality and monitor their government's progress in improving public health.
Trump administration approves major nearly $3 billion arms sale to Israel
Read full article: Trump administration approves major nearly $3 billion arms sale to IsraelThe Trump administration has approved a major nearly $3 billion arms sale to Israel, bypassing a normal congressional review to provide the country with more of the 2,000-pound bombs that it has used in the war against Hamas in Gaza.
Refugee aid groups say Trump administration is trying to circumvent court order
Read full article: Refugee aid groups say Trump administration is trying to circumvent court orderMajor refugee aid groups say President Donald Trump’s administration appears to be trying to circumvent a federal court ruling this week that blocked his efforts to suspend the nation’s refugee admissions program.
Trump administration says it's cutting 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts
Read full article: Trump administration says it's cutting 90% of USAID foreign aid contractsThe Trump administration says it is eliminating more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance around the world.
Judge gives Trump administration two days to release billions of dollars in blocked foreign aid
Read full article: Judge gives Trump administration two days to release billions of dollars in blocked foreign aidA federal judge has given the Trump administration less than two days to release billions of dollars in U.S. foreign aid.
Hunter Schafer on why she spoke out about being issued a male passport
Read full article: Hunter Schafer on why she spoke out about being issued a male passportHunter Schafer says “it’s important to just keep track of where things are in our country,” a day after the “Euphoria” star posted a video in which she revealed her new passport had been issued with a male gender marker.
Judge clears way for Trump administration to pull thousands of USAID staffers off the job
Read full article: Judge clears way for Trump administration to pull thousands of USAID staffers off the jobA federal judge has cleared the way for the Trump administration to pull thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development staffers off the job.
In the Trump administration, nearly every major department is an immigration agency
Read full article: In the Trump administration, nearly every major department is an immigration agencyAs the Trump administration works on pledges to crack down on illegal immigration, the flurry of activity has stretched across the federal government.
Health data, entire pages wiped from federal websites as Trump officials target 'gender ideology'
Read full article: Health data, entire pages wiped from federal websites as Trump officials target 'gender ideology'A government memo aimed at implementing President Donald Trump’s order rolling back protections for transgender people has rippled through the federal government as agencies scramble to make changes to strip “gender ideology” from websites, contracts and emails.
US aid agency is in upheaval during foreign assistance freeze and staff departures
Read full article: US aid agency is in upheaval during foreign assistance freeze and staff departuresTrump administration changes have upended the U.S. agency charged with providing humanitarian aid overseas, with senior officials put on leave, contractors laid off and a sweeping freeze imposed on foreign assistance.
Pauses on US foreign aid and other grants send funders and nonprofits scrambling
Read full article: Pauses on US foreign aid and other grants send funders and nonprofits scramblingThe Trump administration has made or initiated major policy changes that impact nonprofits and their missions in its first week.
A US shutdown on foreign aid is hitting worldwide. Rubio adds more exemptions
Read full article: A US shutdown on foreign aid is hitting worldwide. Rubio adds more exemptionsU.S.-funded aid programs worldwide have begun firing staff and preparing to shut down their operations as an unprecedented Trump administration freeze on foreign assistance brings their work to a sudden halt.
Federal agencies begin removing DEI guidance from websites in Trump crackdown
Read full article: Federal agencies begin removing DEI guidance from websites in Trump crackdownSeveral federal agencies have begun removing resources for underrepresented Americans from their webpages following President Donald Trump’s executive order cracking down on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Trump administration cancels travel for refugees already cleared to resettle in the US
Read full article: Trump administration cancels travel for refugees already cleared to resettle in the USRefugees who'd been approved to travel to the United States before a deadline next week suspending America’s refugee resettlement program have had their travel plans canceled by the Trump administration.
A wave of Trump-demanded departures hits the State Department
Read full article: A wave of Trump-demanded departures hits the State DepartmentA large number of senior career diplomats who served in politically appointed leadership positions and also lower-level posts at the State Department are leaving their jobs at the demand of the incoming Trump administration, which plans to install its own people.
Blinken tells AP he's worried Trump administration may abandon key Biden foreign policy initiatives
Read full article: Blinken tells AP he's worried Trump administration may abandon key Biden foreign policy initiativesOutgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken told The Associated Press that he hopes the incoming Trump administration will press forward with several key points in President Joe Biden’s foreign policy, including on the Middle East and Ukraine.
US shifts more than $100M in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to bolster ceasefire
Read full article: US shifts more than $100M in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to bolster ceasefireThe Biden administration in its final days is shifting more than $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon as it tries to bolster a ceasefire agreement it helped mediate between Israel and Hezbollah.
Blinken heads to Asia, Europe on last expected trip as top US diplomat
Read full article: Blinken heads to Asia, Europe on last expected trip as top US diplomatSecretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on what is expected to be his final overseas trip in office this weekend, traveling to South Korea, Japan and France.
US-Israel panel to look into civilian harm in Gaza is set for first meeting next month
Read full article: US-Israel panel to look into civilian harm in Gaza is set for first meeting next monthThe Biden administration says a U.S.-Israel panel to look into reports of civilian harm from the war in Gaza will meet for the first time in early December.
US sanctions group that builds illegal West Bank settlements, with close ties to Israeli government
Read full article: US sanctions group that builds illegal West Bank settlements, with close ties to Israeli governmentThe U.S. on Monday imposed sanctions on organizations and firms involved in illegal settlement development in the occupied West Bank, including a well-established decades-old group that has close ties with Israeli leadership.
Blinken is heading to Europe for urgent talks on Ukraine after Trump's election
Read full article: Blinken is heading to Europe for urgent talks on Ukraine after Trump's electionSecretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Europe for urgent meetings on Ukraine with NATO and European Union officials following last week’s U.S. presidential election and the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January.
US gives Israel a 'fail' grade on improving aid to Gaza so far
Read full article: US gives Israel a 'fail' grade on improving aid to Gaza so farThe Biden administration is stepping up criticism of Israel for not doing enough to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza as a 30-day deadline looms for Israeli officials to meet certain requirements or risk potential restrictions on military assistance.
Blinken heads to Asia this week for a summit of regional leaders
Read full article: Blinken heads to Asia this week for a summit of regional leadersSecretary of State Antony Blinken will make his 19th trip in office to Asia this week when he leads the U.S. delegation to a meeting of East Asian leaders in Laos.