Blinken to Tackle Key Global Issues at ASEAN Summits

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend the ASEAN summits in Laos to address human rights in Myanmar, China's actions in the South China Sea, and the conflict in Ukraine. Despite President Joe Biden's absence, the U.S. remains committed to ASEAN under Blinken's representation.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to represent the United States at the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits in Laos. The sessions are expected to address pressing issues such as human rights violations in Myanmar, China's contentious activities in the South China Sea, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

This announcement came from Daniel Kritenbrink, the top American diplomat for East Asia, who emphasized that despite President Joe Biden not attending the leader-level meetings, the U.S. commitment to the ASEAN region remains strong.

President Joe Biden's lack of attendance is noted in the context of the forthcoming U.S. presidential elections, where his Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning against former President Donald Trump. Nonetheless, Blinken's participation underscores the continuing focus of the U.S. on ASEAN issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)