Laos has tightened the security in its capital Vientiane as it hosts the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations ministerial meeting this weekend.

In preparation for the Leaders' Summit in September, foreign ministers and delegates from Southeast Asia and other countries are expected to discuss regional and international matters. As the current chair of the ASEAN, Laos will be hosting a key security meeting in the capital city later this month, when the South China Sea issue is expected to dominate the discussions.