Says good relations will deter Chinese aggression.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Southeast Asia for the first time on Tuesday, giving a speech in Indonesia to mark the occasion. He highlighted that “countries in the region” were making “aggressive actions” in the South China Sea, and committed to helping the region maintain its freedoms in the face of those threats.
Secretary Blinken was specific about the intentions behind these diplomatic efforts being made in Southeast Asia. “It’s not about a contest between a US-centric region or a China-centric region – the Indo-Pacific is its own region,” the secretary of state said. “Rather, it’s about upholding the rights and agreements that are responsible for the most peaceful and prosperous period this region – and the world – has ever experienced.” Secretary Blinken plans to also visit Thailand and Malaysia during this trip.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- That Secretary Blinken would have safe travels around Southeast Asia.
- For U.S. officials interacting with leaders in the Indo-Pacific countries as they navigate local issues and global alliances.
- For God’s purpose to be accomplished through the United States’ global policy.
Sources: AP, CNN
