In a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his concern over Beijing's "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea. Despite the deepening rivalry between the two nations, Blinken and Wang sought to keep communication channels open.

The meeting took place in Laos as part of Blinken's week-long visit to Asia. The timing of the visit adds to the regional scrutiny over how the world will be shaped with the new administration in the White House amidst a fierce US presidential election campaign.

During the meeting, Blinken and Wang discussed various bilateral, regional, and global issues. A statement by the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, emphasized that the United States, together with its allies and partners, will continue to advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

One significant topic of discussion was China's support for Russia's defense industrial base. Blinken warned that the US would take "appropriate measures" if China does not cease its support. The Chinese foreign ministry responded by stating that the US holds a "wrong perception of China" and urged for a return to a "rational and pragmatic China policy." However, the statement also emphasized that both countries will maintain communication.

The tensions between the US and China have been persistent, despite efforts by the Biden administration to stabilize relations. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's assertive moves in the South China Sea have soured the Washington-Beijing relationship in recent years.

Notably, this week, the North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska. A US defense official stated that this was the first time aircraft from both countries have been intercepted while operating together.

China's continued support for Russia, even after Moscow's invasion, has strained relations between the US, its allies, and Ukraine. NATO leaders recently labeled Beijing a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war against Ukraine. Both the US and the European Union have accused China of bolstering Russia's defense sector, resulting in the sanctioning of numerous companies in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Despite China's growing ties with Moscow, Beijing has positioned itself as a neutral peace broker in the conflict. Chinese leader Xi Jinping's close friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been well-documented.

During Blinken's trip, he will also visit countries such as Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia, all of which have mutual defense treaties with the United States. The Philippines, in particular, has grown closer to the US amid escalating clashes with China in the South China Sea.

Before meeting with Wang, Blinken urged Southeast Asian countries to work together in addressing challenges posed by China's actions in the South China Sea. At a meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, Blinken highlighted Beijing's unlawful actions against the Philippines in the region. However, he also commended Manila's diplomacy with Beijing, especially with regards to completing a resupply trip to troops stationed on the contested Second Thomas Shoal.

President Biden has prioritized deepening relations with the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea. Beijing has viewed these efforts as part of the US campaign to encircle and contain China's rise. Given the recent developments in the US election campaign, Asia is closely watching for the next steps from the new US administration.

In summary, Secretary of State Antony Blinken's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted concerns over Beijing's actions in the South China Sea. The meeting, amidst a heated US presidential election campaign, aimed to maintain open lines of communication despite the deepening rivalry between the two nations.