ASEAN Meeting: Blinken Discusses Tensions in the Region with Chinese Counterpart

The ASEAN meeting was overshadowed by ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of escalating tensions in the region, while China warned the Philippines to adhere to their recent agreement to reduce tensions.

Blinken emphasized the US's commitment to a 'free and open' Asia-Pacific region, while criticizing China's behavior in the South China Sea. The meeting between Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was described as open and productive, with discussions on various bilateral, regional, and global issues.

Blinken also raised concerns about China's provocative actions towards Taiwan. The South China Sea is a highly disputed area, with multiple countries including the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam claiming parts of it.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that some of China's claims were illegal, but China does not recognize the ruling. The meeting also addressed Myanmar's civil war and called for peaceful means to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea.