July 13, 2021 – (TDI): During the Special ASEAN-U.S. Foreign Ministerial Meeting, the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken communicated with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the ASEAN countries and the Secretary-General of ASEAN. Blinken reiterated the US’ determination to assist ASEAN in maintaining its centrality while acknowledging the importance of ASEAN in the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. The US Secretary and the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN states expressed their resolve to enhance ASEAN-US strategic partnership.
In this meeting, the US Secretary expressed the view of US commitment to fighting the current pandemic, in alliance with ASEAN countries and other international allies. He also shared his concerns about the climate crisis. The US rejects China’s illegal maritime claims in the South China Sea, Blinken shared, while expressing US’ support for Southeast Asian claimant states in the South China Sea. While discussing the Mekong-US alliance, he reaffirmed the US support for a liberated Mekong region.
The military coup of Burma was also a topic of concern for the US secretary. In this regard, he insisted the ASEAN states work towards dismantling the violent, unjust, and undemocratic situation in Burma. He urged the ASEAN states to immediately work towards accountability of the Burmese regime.
