VIENTIANE Laos: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to prevent an escalation of conflict in Lebanon, where tensions with Hezbollah have worsened due to Israel’s military strikes.
Blinken reiterated these views during the ASEAN Summit held in Laos on Friday, Israel’s right to defend itself but expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Gaza. He stressed that both Lebanon and Israel have a shared interest in restoring safety and security for their citizens.
Blinken highlighted the importance of Lebanon’s fragile state asserting its sovereignty and reducing Hezbollah’s influence, acknowledging the long-standing challenges Lebanon faces. He expressed the United States’ commitment to supporting Lebanon’s efforts in building a stronger state, vital for the country’s future stability.
Blinken also noted the U.S. was engaging with Israel regarding humanitarian aid, expressing concern over the insufficient assistance reaching Gaza. The focus on diplomacy aims to avert a broader conflict, while addressing humanitarian needs remains a priority for the U.S.
Earlier, During the ASEAN summit in Laos, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced strong criticism of China’s “increasingly dangerous and unlawful actions” in the South China Sea, highlighting how Beijing’s aggressive moves have harmed ASEAN nations.
Blinken underscored that China’s actions contradict commitments to peaceful dispute resolution in the region. He reaffirmed U.S. support for freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific, a crucial point for countries like the Philippines, which have faced violent incidents over territorial disputes with China in the strategic waterway.
Blinken also emphasized the US’s dedication to protecting stability across the Taiwan Strait, an area where tensions have escalated after recent remarks by Taiwan’s president. He addressed the broader geopolitical concerns, including the deepening crisis in Myanmar, as the junta’s representative joined the ASEAN talks for the first time in three years.
Furthermore, Blinken urged ASEAN leaders to remain firm in their stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. This call came ahead of a larger East Asia Summit, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would also participate. Blinken’s remarks highlighted Washington’s continued focus on regional stability and the defence of international norms in the Indo-Pacific.
