The United States is concerned that Laos, the next chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will not have the same leverage or resources as Indonesia in pressuring Myanmar's military junta. Melissa Brown, a top U.S. diplomat, said the U.S. is working to ensure that ASEAN continues its pressure campaign on Myanmar. Laos, a smaller country with less capacity, is set to take over the chairmanship from Indonesia next year. The U.S. is providing assistance to Laos to support its efforts. There are fears that China, an ally of the junta, could pressure ASEAN into a softer stance.

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