AKARTA (BLOOMBERG, AFP) – Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised China’s aggressive actions in Asia while laying out plans to more closely integrate United States allies and security partners in Asia.

During a key policy speech in Jakarta on Tuesday (Dec 14), Mr Blinken underscored US efforts to deliver high-quality infrastructure and vaccines to the region while working closer on security issues.

He said the Biden administration doesn’t want conflict in Asia, and would ensure competition with China doesn’t veer into a “catastrophic” conflict.