US, ASEAN foreign ministers met in New York to discuss global challenges

Asia-Pacific, News, US September 24, 2021 , by IRIA No Comments

On September 23, 2021, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken held virtual and in-person meeting with ASEAN nations foreign ministers in New York City on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.

During the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken recognized ASEAN nations’ support on the Afghanistan crisis, including evacuation of American and other nations’ personnel and citizens from Afghanistan.

Secretary Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to ASEAN countries and the U.S. support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. ASEAN foreign ministers and the U.S. Secretary of State also discussed pressing regional and international challenges, including “the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, the urgent need to press the military to end the violence in Burma and adhere to ASEAN’s five-point consensus, and the need to reinforce a free and open Indo-Pacific region”.

Key points of the meeting:

Acknowledgement of ASEAN nations’ unprecedented support and efforts in Afghanistan evacuation process for Afghan and American citizen.
A review and reaffirmation of “ASEAN Outlook”, a collaborative defense strategy for peace and security in ASEAN region.
Highlighting U.S. efforts to counter Covid-19 in ASEAN region through providing a sustainable recovery support in form of vaccine and medical assistance.
Highlighting U.S.’s concerns over Mekong River Issues, including the water disputes and water security.
Reviewing and reorganizing a comprehensive strategy for the safety and security of Indo-Pacific region, and executing the vision of “Free and Open” Indo-Pacific to boost trade and economic activities.

The U.S. secretary of state also highlighted the United States’ efforts to lead the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and build a sustainable recovery that supports both economic growth and climate goals.  Blinken stressed that the U.S. has provided ASEAN members with more than $194 million in emergency COVID-19 assistance and shared more than 31 million vaccine doses, including as part of making 500 million Pfizer COVID-19 doses available to Gavi for distribution by COVAX.

The most important part of the statement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken was an indication of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. Secretary Blinken stated that the United States will release its “new and comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy this fall” which is built upon the shared “vision of free, open, interconnected, resilient and secure region”.

“It will reflect Southeast Asia’s importance to the Indo-Pacific region and the critical role that ASEAN plays in determining the region’s future,” Blinken added.

In recent years, the Biden administration has intensified efforts to contain China’s rise and formed regional alliances to counter the United States “number one adversary”, China.