Antony Blinken’s Busy Weekend Pushing Back Against China’s Growing Influence in Asia

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara attend a press conference after the "Foreign and Defense Ministerial (2+2) Meeting" at the Iikura Guest House in Tokyo on July 28, 2024. David MAREUIL / POOL / AFP

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spent the past few days crisscrossing Asia, from Laos to Vietnam to Japan, in a concerted effort to challenge Chinese territorial claims in the region and bolster Washington’s formidable alliance network.

The Secretary arrived in Laos early Saturday morning to participate in an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting, two days later than expected due to last week’s White House talks with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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by Eric Olander

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