US Diplomat Accuses China of Acting Aggressively in Indo-Pacific 

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of acting more aggressively in the Indo-Pacific region during his current visit to the Southeastern territory of Asia.

In his address at the University of Indonesia, Blinken accused Beijing of distorting open markets, claiming open seas, and weaponizing trade.

In the same light, Washington’s top diplomat said his country would work with allies and partners to “defend the rules-based order” and countries should have the right to “choose their own path”.

 Blinken said: "China’s “aggressive actions” in the Indo-Pacific have worried governments across the region."

Also in this regard, he denied that Washington was trying to “keep any country down”. Rather, it’s to protect the right of all countries to choose their own path. "Free from coercion, free from intimidation."

"It’s not about a contest between a US-centric region or a China-centric region, it is about the independence of the Indo-Pacific from China bondage," he noted.

Moreover, Blinken reaffirmed that the United States supports ASEAN centrality, a term often used to encourage cooperation between member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

It's expected that Blinken will pay an official visit to Malaysia and Thailand on his Asian trip before meeting with INDOPACOM Commander Adm. John Aquilino on Friday.

Blinken’s tour came just days after China’s officials announced that their country is set to build a military base in Equatorial Guinea, West Africa, in a bid to prepare China’s military to counter the U.S and its allies, according to international reports.