The host takes the lead in not following, and Antony Blinken instigates to fight against China ASEAN | website | host
According to a report on the website of France Radio International on July 15, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Southeast Asian countries to unite against China's so-called "coercive actions" at a series of ASEAN meetings held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 14.
It is reported that Antony Blinken declared at the meeting that the United States and ASEAN "share the vision of an Indo Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, secure, connected to the world and resilient", which means that all countries in the region "can freely choose their own path and partners", and problems can be solved openly, rather than through "coercive action". Observers pointed out that the so-called "coercive action" was not named by Antony Blinken, but it was definitely China.
However, Antony Blinken's "appeal" has not been "responded" by the regional countries. The report states that ASEAN countries are not willing to choose sides between the United States and China, as can be seen from the speech of Indonesian President Joko, the host of this meeting. Zoko stated that ASEAN cannot become an agent for any country. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno further stated that the region should not become a new battlefield.
According to the website of Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao, Indonesian President Joko said on the 14th that "ASEAN cannot be involved in competition or become the agent of any country."
He said, "ASEAN is committed to strengthening unity, cohesion, and the central position of ASEAN, and maintaining regional peace and stability."
According to a report by Efi News Agency, Indonesian Foreign Minister Reteno stated on the 14th that in the face of escalating tensions and competition, regional countries advocate strengthening "preventive diplomacy".
Retno also issued a warning about the "contagion risk" of the Cold War in the Asia Pacific region.
She said, "Some people say that the Indo Pacific region is showing symptoms of a 'hot and cold war'. The Indo Pacific region should not become another battlefield." She emphasized that the region "needs to become not only a net contributor to economic growth, but also a contributor to peace.".
According to a report on the website of The Washington Post, the Biden administration has been working hard to rebuild relations with Southeast Asia, which felt neglected during the Trump administration and was absent from most ASEAN meetings. However, due to the region's resistance to being dragged too hard into one or another camp, American leaders had to dance a "subtle dance".
The report quotes Alex Bristol, an expert at the Australian Institute of Strategic Policy, as saying, "The United States has to pay attention to its tone to make it sound like it is not trying to contain China."