Blinken: "ASEAN, the Key to the Indo-Pacific Future... Commitment to Support Myanmar"

(Photo by Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The United States, which is strengthening its checks on China, attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and expressed support, stating that a free and open Indo-Pacific is part of the U.S. vision. It also expressed strong concern over the military coup in Myanmar, which is under China's protection.

The U.S. Department of State announced on the 4th that Secretary of State Antony Blinken made these remarks at the U.S.-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held virtually on the 3rd (local time).

Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and support for the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific" as part of the U.S. vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

This statement supports ASEAN's central role and leading efforts in regional issues and is interpreted as an expression of intent to check China.

Foreign media interpreted the direct attendance of a senior U.S. official at this meeting as an unusual event, viewing it as a measure to strengthen exchanges with Southeast Asian countries to counter China under the Joe Biden administration.

The U.S. and ASEAN discussed various regional and international issues at this meeting, including combating the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change action, human capital development, and the need for urgent measures regarding Myanmar.

At the meeting, Secretary Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to leading the global response to COVID-19, stating that 23 million vaccine doses and $160 million in support have been provided to ASEAN countries.

Secretary Blinken called on ASEAN to join in ending violence, releasing detainees, and restoring democracy in Myanmar, where the coup occurred.

He urged, "The military must end violence, release those unjustly detained, and take joint action to restore Burma’s path to democracy."

In a separate statement, Secretary Blinken welcomed ASEAN’s appointment of Erywan Yusof, Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister, as a special envoy to resolve the Myanmar situation.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State announced that Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman had a phone call with Zin Mar Aung, Foreign Minister of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), the interim government. Foreign media reported this as the first official contact between a senior U.S. official and a Myanmar government representative.

During the call, Deputy Secretary Sherman discussed efforts to return Myanmar to democracy, including continued U.S. support for the pro-democracy movement and humanitarian aid related to COVID-19, the State Department said.