Blinken Chides Beijing’s ‘Escalating Actions’ At Sea

Blinken singled out China over its coast guard’s hostile actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea.

He however lauded the two countries for their diplomacy after Manila completed a resupply mission on Saturday.

Blinken Attends ARF With Diplomats of Major PowersBlinken was attending the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum on Saturday alongside diplomats of major powers.

These included representatives from Russia, India, China, Australia, Japan and the EU.

Discussions At ARFThe ARF included discussions on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and tension in the South China Sea.

The Philippines’ small troop presence on a grounded former U.S. navy ship at the second Thomas Shoal has for years angered China.

Clashes Between The Philippines And China

It has clashed time and again with the Philippines over its resupply missions.

This has caused regional concern about an escalation that could potentially lead to U.S. intervention.

Arrangement Made By The Two Sides

The two sides this week reached an arrangement on ways to conduct those missions.

“We are pleased to take note of the successful resupply today of the Second Thomas shoal,” Blinken told foreign ministers of ASEAN, in Laos.

“We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward.”

Blinken Meets China’s Foreign MinisterBlinken held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the gathering.

This was their sixth meeting since June 2023, when Blinken had visited Beijing.

What Did Binken Discuss With Wang Yi? 

Blinken discussed Taiwan with Wang  Yi and concerns about Beijing’s recent “provocative actions”.

This included a simulated blockade during the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a senior U.S. State Department official said.

They agreed to continue progress on military-to-military ties, the official said.

He said that Blinken also discussed Beijing’s support for Russia’s defence industrial base.

Wang Makes No Commitment

Although he warned of further U.S. action against Chinese firms, he received no commitment from Wang.

China’s foreign ministry had no immediate statement on the meeting.

Russia Says U.S. ‘Enflaming Atmosphere’Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said that guidelines on the operation of U.S. nuclear assets on the Korean peninsula, were adding to regional security concerns.

These guidelines were officially aimed at establishing an integrated deterrence to North Korean threats.

“They are actively inflaming the atmosphere around the Korean peninsula, militarising their presence there and conducting exercises that are frankly aimed at being ready for military action,” he said.

Blinken Highlights US Efforts For A Ceasefire in GazaBlinken said the United States was previously “working intensely every single day” to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

It was also trying to find a path to more enduring peace and security.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Underlines Need For PeaceBlinken made these remarks after Retno Marsudi, the Indonesian Foreign Minister, underlined the urgent need for sustainable peace.

Retno also said international law should be applied to all.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister made a veiled reference to recent decisions by two international courts over Israeli’s Gaza offensives.

Casualties in Gaza

The fighting has killed over 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza since Israel launched its incursion.

The Palestinian health authorities who gave these figures, do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants.

Death of Fighters From Militant Groups

Israeli officials estimate that 14,000 fighters from militant groups have been killed or captured at the start of the war.

The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250 others, according to Israeli tallies.

‘This Is Not Sustainable’Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Myanmar’s military rulers to take a different path and end an intensifying civil war.

He urged the generals to abide by their commitment to follow ASEAN’s peace plan.

The Conflict in Myanmar

The conflict pits Myanmar’s military against a loose alliance of ethnic minority rebel groups and an armed resistance movement.

The junta has largely ignored the peace effort, and ASEAN has hit a wall as all sides refuse to enter into dialogue.

What Wong Said“We see the instability, the insecurity, the deaths, the pain that is being caused by the conflict,” Wong told reporters.

“My message from Australia to the regime is, this is not sustainable for you or for your people.”

Displacement Caused By Fighting in MyanmarAn estimated three million people have been displaced by fighting.

The junta has faced condemnation for its  atrocities and air strikes on civilian areas.

The junta however dismissed it as Western disinformation.

ASEAN CommuniqueASEAN issued a communique on Saturday stressing it was united behind its peace plan.

The bloc condemned violence against civilians and urged all sides in Myanmar to start dialogue.

ASEAN WELCOMES Practical Measures

ASEAN also welcomed unspecified practical measures to reduce tension in the South China Sea and prevent accidents and miscalculations.

The bloc urged all stakeholders to halt actions that could complicate and escalate disputes.

(With Inputs From Reuters)