U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of allowing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to freely choose its alliances without facing coercion. This statement was made following the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Indonesia, where Blinken highlighted the United States’ commitment to increased collaboration with the 10-member bloc. He reiterated the U.S.’s dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific, where countries have the freedom to choose their own path and partners without force or aggression. Additionally, Blinken expressed support for ASEAN’s negotiation of a code of conduct to address territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea. He also urged for peace in the Taiwan Strait and emphasized the U.S.’s opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. The U.S. aims to strengthen communication channels with China to clarify its positions on regional issues while exploring areas of potential cooperation. Blinken also addressed concerns regarding North Korea’s weapons programs and urged Burma’s military to end violence and implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. The content also mentioned Blinken’s meeting with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, describing it as “candid and constructive” and part of the Biden administration’s efforts to responsibly manage competition and maintain open channels of communication. ASEAN’s negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea have faced challenges due to some member states prioritizing bilateral ties with China. The article concludes by mentioning China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and the disputes with other countries in the region.