Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on an eight-day trip to Asia this week, despite the recent announcement by President Joe Biden that he will not seek reelection. The trip aims to strengthen ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific region and reassure them of the United States' continued commitment to the area.
The State Department confirmed that Blinken will visit Vietnam, Laos, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia for a series of international and bilateral meetings. Discussions will include talks with Chinese officials in Laos and strategic and security dialogues in Tokyo and Manila, involving Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The trip was planned well in advance of Biden's decision and will proceed as scheduled. State Department officials emphasized the importance of Blinken's presence to demonstrate that U.S. foreign policy remains steady amid domestic political changes.
Concerns have been raised by various countries in Asia regarding the potential return of former President Donald Trump to the White House, given his previous skepticism towards U.S. alliances and military presence in the region.
Blinken's itinerary includes attending the funeral of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party leader in Vietnam, participating in meetings with Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Laos, engaging in discussions with Chinese officials, and holding talks with Japanese and Filipino counterparts in Tokyo and Manila.
In Singapore, Blinken will review the U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership, and in Mongolia, he will continue discussions on regional cooperation. The trip is scheduled to conclude on August 1st.
