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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Laos early Saturday morning to participate in ASEAN meetings and engage in discussions with his Chinese counterpart, marking the beginning of a multi-nation Asian tour aimed at reinforcing Washington’s relationships with its regional allies in response to Beijing’s influence.
Blinken is set to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ discussions in Vientiane, Laos’ capital.
Blinken aims to promote the vision of the Indo-Pacific region as “free, open, and prosperous,” a slogan that implicitly critiques China and its economic, regional, and strategic ambitions in the area.
“The Secretary’s discussions will continue the unprecedented development and expansion of U.S.-ASEAN relations,” the State Department stated in a release just before Blinken reached Vientiane.
This marks Blinken’s 18th trip to Asia since he took office over three years ago, underscoring the fierce competition between Washington and Beijing in the region.
Blinken’s arrival follows a meeting between the foreign ministers of China and Russia with their counterparts from the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, which also included a bilateral meeting on the sidelines.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Wang and Sergei Lavrov discussed a “new security architecture” in Eurasia.
The ministry reported that Wang and Lavrov agreed to “jointly counter any attempts by outside forces to interfere in Southeast Asian affairs.”
China maintains a strong political and economic partnership with Russia, and NATO members perceive Beijing as a crucial supporter of Moscow in its ongoing war against Ukraine.
On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning indicated that Wang and Blinken “will exchange views on issues of mutual concern.”
As per the US State Department, Blinken will address “the significance of adhering to international law in the South China Sea” during the ASEAN discussions.
– Rising tensions –
The discussions occur amid escalating tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, where there have been recent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels over disputed atolls.
Beijing asserts near-total sovereignty over the waterway, through which trillions of dollars in goods transit annually, despite an international court ruling declaring that its claims lack legal basis.
A Filipino sailor lost his thumb during a confrontation on June 17 when Chinese coast guard personnel obstructed a Philippine navy attempt to resupply its forces at a distant location.
Earlier this year, China criticized comments made by Blinken stating that Washington was ready to defend the Philippines if its forces, vessels, or aircraft were attacked in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims that the United States has “no right” to intervene in the South China Sea.
The two nations are at odds over trade, human rights issues, and the status of the self-ruled island of Taiwan.
Blinken is scheduled to proceed to Hanoi on Saturday to convey US condolences to Vietnamese officials following the death of communist leader Nguyen Phu Trong.
Blinken’s tour includes six countries: Laos, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia.
The foreign ministers of the ASEAN nations are expected to release a joint statement at the conclusion of the three-day meetings.
However, a diplomatic source pointed out that the joint statement is being delayed due to disagreements over the wording of paragraphs related to the disputes in Burma and the South China Sea.
Burma’s military junta has been excluded from high-level ASEAN summits in protest of the 2021 coup and the subsequent crackdown on dissent, but it has sent two bureaucrats to represent its interests at the talks in Laos.
Serg-Rama/Wod-Sam/Bam
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Visit to ASEAN: Strengthening Alliances in the Face of China’s Influence
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Overview of Blinken’s Asian Tour
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Laos early Saturday morning as part of a multi-nation tour aimed at reinforcing Washington’s ties with regional allies amid increasing competition with China.
Meetings with ASEAN Leaders
Blinken is set to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ meetings in Vientiane, Laos’ capital. This marks Blinken’s 18th visit to Asia since he took office, underscoring the critical importance of U.S.-ASEAN relations in foreign policy.
Goals of the Tour
During this visit, Blinken aims to promote a “free, open, and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. This statement implicitly critiques China’s expanding influence and ambition in the Asia-Pacific area.
Rising Tensions in the South China Sea
Current geopolitical dynamics have exacerbated tensions, especially between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Blinken’s discussions will emphasize the importance of adhering to international law, particularly regarding maritime rights.
Recent Maritime Incidents
- A Filipino sailor lost his thumb during a confrontation with the Chinese coast guard over territorial access.
- Earlier in the year, Blinken asserted U.S. commitment to defending the Philippines if attacked in the contested waters, drawing ire from Beijing.
China’s Response
China maintains that the U.S. has no right to involve itself in South China Sea disputes, targeting remarks made by Blinken as interference in regional matters.
ASEAN and China’s Strategic Partnerships
Before Blinken’s arrival, the foreign ministers of China and Russia met with ASEAN leaders, highlighting a growing political and economic partnership. Their discussions focused on forming a “new security architecture” in Eurasia and countering external pressures on Southeast Asian affairs.
Impact on ASEAN Statements
The joint statement expected post-meeting is stalled due to disagreements concerning wording on issues like Burma’s situation post-coup and the South China Sea tensions.
Blinken’s Diplomatic Outreach
Following the meetings in Laos, Blinken plans to travel to Hanoi to express condolences over the death of Vietnamese communist leader Nguyen Phu Trong as part of his diplomatic engagements across six countries including:
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Japan
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- Mongolia
Importance of U.S.-ASEAN Relations
The U.S. sees the ASEAN meetings as essential for building and expanding relations with Southeast Asian nations, particularly in light of China’s assertive territorial claims. Blinken’s efforts are directed towards fostering collaboration on trade, security, and maritime stability in the region.
Benefits of U.S.-ASEAN Relations
- Economic Development: Enhanced trade agreements can lead to increased investment and economic growth for ASEAN nations.
- Security Cooperation: Strengthened military partnerships improve regional security against rising threats.
- Cultural Exchange: Increased cooperation promotes mutual understanding and cultural ties among nations.
Challenges Ahead
While the ambition to fortify relationships is strong, challenges remain due to the complex dynamics of regional politics, the historical context of colonial interactions, and contemporary global issues such as climate change and economic inequities.
Key Takeaways
- The geopolitical landscape in Asia is rapidly evolving, with the U.S. seeking to maintain its influence against China’s rise.
- Regional security and economic collaboration are paramount for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
- ASEAN plays a vital role in mediating tensions and facilitating dialogue among various stakeholders in the region.
Conclusion
Blinken’s tour represents a significant opportunity for the U.S. to bolster relations and address ongoing tensions while positioning itself as a committed partner to ASEAN nations. Overall, this diplomacy aims to ensure a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
