Blinken says US to advance defence, economic alliances in Indo-Pacific

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday the United States would advance a free and open Indo-Pacific and deepen treaty alliances and defence and intelligence capabilities with partners in the region.

During a visit to Indonesia, Blinken said everyone had a stake in keeping the world's most dynamic region free from coercion and intimidation and, in a veiled reference to China, said the United States and some South China Sea claimants would push back against any unlawful action.

Blinken is making his first visit to Southeast Asia since President Joe Biden took office in January, a trip aimed at shoring up relations after a period of uncertainty under the administration...