US Calls for Freedom of ASEAN Countries to Choose Their Alliances

Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses the opening session on the first day of the Ukraine Recovery Conference at InterContinental London O2 in London on June 21, 2023. Henry Nicholls/WPA Pool via Getty Images

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized on July 14 the importance of ensuring the freedom of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to choose and forge alliances without facing coercion.

Speaking to reporters following the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Indonesia, Mr. Blinken said the United States and the 10-member bloc have embarked on “a new era” in their relations that are defined by increased collaboration.