Blinken Engages Asian Leaders on Regional Tensions

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos, discussing tensions in the Pacific, the war in Ukraine, and China's military support for Russia, although no agreements were made. Blinken criticized China's actions in the South China Sea, asserting the U.S. commitment to a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' and expressing concerns about China's influence in the region. The meeting occurred during Blinken's tour of Asia, where he also reaffirmed U.S. support for Vietnam amid ongoing regional dynamics. The U.S. continues to conduct military exercises in the South China Sea, which has drawn criticism from Beijing. Meanwhile, ASEAN officials emphasized the need for adherence to international law, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as an example of this principle's broader application. As tensions rise between the U.S. and China, the diplomatic exchanges reflect ongoing geopolitical rivalries in the region.