The United States and China engaged in their sixth meeting since last year, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Chinese counterpart discussing various issues at an annual Southeast Asian regional security forum in Vientiane, Laos. Tensions between China and the Philippines over disputes in the South China Sea were a key focus of the discussion.
While the meeting was described as open and productive, no significant agreements were reached on the divisive issues in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Blinken emphasized the U.S.' commitment to safeguarding its interests, values, and those of its allies and partners, particularly on human rights.
Blinken highlighted China's aggressive actions towards Taiwan and criticized its destabilizing actions in the South China Sea. He also commended China and the Philippines for a recent agreement that allowed the Philippines to make a supply trip to a disputed area without confrontation.
Concerns were raised about China's support of Russia's defense industrial sector, with Blinken warning of appropriate measures if the threat to European security is not addressed. The U.S. and its allies have imposed sanctions on numerous Russian and Chinese firms engaged in the trade.
Blinken's Asia trip, part of a six-country tour, comes amidst an uncertain political situation in the U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to step down as a candidate in November's election in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris was noted, though not discussed in the meetings.
During the trip, Blinken will visit Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia to strengthen defense cooperation and diplomatic ties. The U.S. has maintained significant troop deployments in Japan and South Korea for decades, with a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines being a cornerstone of American policy in Asia.
