Blinken in Thailand to support nations amid China’s bid to expand influence

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Thailand’s foreign minister Don Pramudwinai (Stefani Reynolds/pool/AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Thailand as the Biden administration moves to show its commitment to south-east Asia in the face of a relentless push for influence in the region from China.

Mr Blinken is meeting with senior Thai officials and democracy activists from neighbouring Myanmar in Bangkok, and has signed an agreement with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai expanding the US-Thailand “Strategic Alliance and Partnership”.