Blinken's Southeast Asia Visit: Building Support for China Rivalry and Urging Stability in Indo-Pacific

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Southeast Asian counterparts in Indonesia to warn against China's coercion and encourage the region to stand for openness. Blinken's visit is part of the Biden administration's effort to woo countries away from overt alignment with Beijing amid China's aggressive diplomatic push. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed caution but did not commit to turning their back on Washington's rivals. The region faces challenges such as North Korea's missile test and the military government in Myanmar. Blinken emphasized the need for a region where countries are free to choose their own path and partners.