US boosts links with Thailand amid China’s push to expand influence

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is greeted by officials on arrival in Bangkok, Thailand (Stefani Reynolds/pool/AP)

The Biden administration has moved to strengthen ties with key south-east Asian ally Thailand as it presses ahead with efforts to counter China’s relentless push for influence in the region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed two co-operation agreements with his Thai counterpart in Bangkok, pledging to expand strategic co-operation and improve the resilience of supply chains.