BANGKOK, Thailand – The United States and Thailand signed agreements on Sunday, July 10, to deepen the countries’ already strong ties as Washington steps up its efforts to counter China’s expanding influence in Asia.
Blinken’s visit comes a day after he met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Indonesia on the sidelines of the G20 foreign minister’s meeting. “We are taking the partnership between us fully into the 21st century,” Blinken said, adding that Thailand is an important ally “in a region that is shaping the trajectory of the century”.
The Biden administration has sought to shore up ties with a region that had become uncertain about US commitment during a period of perceived neglect under Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump. At that time, China expanded its influence while pushing investment and trade integration.