Sekretari Blinken kritikon Kinën gjatë takimit të Azisë Juglindore

2024-07-27 18:02:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Sekretari Blinken kritikon Kinën gjatë takimit të Azisë

Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during the ASEAN meeting in Laos. Source, Reuters

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Southeast Asian countries on Saturday to help tackle global challenges during a meeting with their counterparts in Laos. He emphasized especially the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Top diplomats from Southeast Asia gathered in the capital of Laos on Saturday for a three-day meeting as countries in this part of Asia grapple with tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea, escalating fighting in Myanmar and regional rivalry.

Secretary Antony Blinken initially singled out China for its actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea. However, he then greeted both countries as Manila successfully completed a new supply mission for its military forces in an area to which Beijing also has territorial claims.

"We are pleased about the successful supply that is done under an agreement reached between the Philippines and China. We welcome the agreement and hope and expect it to continue," said Secretary Blinken.

The presence of Philippine forces has for years angered China, which has repeatedly confronted Philippine forces on a navy ship stationed near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Tensions between the two countries have fueled regional concerns about an escalation.

Saturday's meetings bring together representatives of the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India and Australia in the same room to discuss key security and other regional issues.

"Our meeting today takes place in a rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic environment, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Over the past few years, the East Asia Summit has become a critically important platform for constructive dialogue and cooperation on strategic political and economic issues of mutual interest," said Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, who chaired the proceedings.

Secretary Blinken held a special meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Saturday in Laos.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Secretary Blinken reportedly raised concerns about Beijing's recent provocative actions toward Taiwan.

Those actions included a mock blockade during the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, while Mr. Blinken and Wang, according to the official, agreed to continue making progress in the two countries' military ties.

Mr Blinken also discussed China's support for Russia's defense industry and, according to the same official, also warned that Washington would take action against Chinese firms helping the war in Ukraine. The State Department official said that there was no commitment from Chinese Minister Wang on this matter./ VOA