US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who hails from Thailand, vowed not to relent on the junta ruling Burma. He also stated that China would have to accept it, following a meeting with activists for democracy.
Antony Blinken met also with Thai leaders, and praised the role of the kingdom in restoring US policy in Southeast Asia. This region is crucial in the fight against Beijing.
The US diplomat met with young pro-democracy activists from Burma in a private meeting to protect their families. In February 2021, the military overthrew the civilian government. This halted the US' support for a decade-long democratic transition.
Even though he may give priority to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the head American diplomacy has pledged that he will continue to exert pressure on Burma.
He admitted that the US strategy which includes sanctions against junta has not produced any results.
Antony Blinken, a Bangkok reporter, stated that "it is unfortunately safe to state that we haven't seen any positive movements and on the contrary we continue to witness repression by the Burmese people."
He stated that he would continue to look for ways in which he and other countries could pressure the military to follow the path of democracy.
He said, "I believe all ASEAN countries should hold the regime accountable."
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reached a "five point consensus" in April with the Burmese government. This agreement included calls for dialogue and support for the opposition.
Antony Blinken did not criticize Wang Yi's recent visit to Myanmar. However, he called on Beijing for support for international democratic calls.
"I believe it's also incumbent upon China, and it is in China's best interest to see Burma go back to the path it was following and which was so violently displaced by the coup." , did he declare.
Tens of thousands have fled the country and humanitarian conditions have worsened since Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested by the military in February 2021.
Thailand is America's oldest ally.
Antony Blinken, a representative of Thailand, highlighted the US-led economic plan for Asia and its efforts to combat climate change during the signing of an agreement that will strengthen ties between the countries.
Blinken met Prayut Chan O-Cha in Bangkok. He was elected to power by a coup in 2014. This triggered US sanctions.
In 2019, Prayut was elected head of government. This marked a return to open politics.
Blinken and Foreign Secretary Don Pramudwinai signed a joint statement describing democracy as essential to their understanding of Asia.
The statement addressed a high-priority issue for the Biden administration. It stated that Washington and Bangkok would promote "open and inclusive society" for LGBTQ people. Antony Blinken also thanked Thailand for supporting President Biden’s plan to promote green energies in Southeast Asia through $2.7 billion of private investment.
Antony Blinken explained that Russia's restrictions on Ukrainian grain exports might have been a factor in the turmoil Sri Lanka is currently experiencing.
"We can see the effects of Russian aggression everywhere. She could have contributed to Sri Lanka's current situation. He said that the consequences for the entire world were worrying.
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing severe unrest due to a shortage of fuel, food, and medicine.
Antony Blinken will fly to Japan Monday, following the Bangkok attack on former Prime Minister Shinzo abe.
