The United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened the 38th annual U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue in Jakarta, Indonesia, underscoring their strategic partnership and shared goals for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Co-chaired by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre and Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary of State Kung Phoak, the meeting highlighted the progress made under the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The dialogue served as a key platform to align priorities on economic development, regional security, and multilateral cooperation.
Assistant Secretary DeSombre reaffirmed strong U.S. support for ASEAN centrality and acknowledged the Philippines' role as the current ASEAN chair. He noted the depth of bilateral and multilateral relations, looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN ties in 2027. Officials emphasized that advancing the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders' Joint Vision Statement, adopted in October 2025, would enhance security and economic prosperity for both regions, benefiting over one billion people combined.
A key focus of the dialogue was addressing pressing regional challenges, particularly transnational crime. U.S. officials called for closer coordination to combat the proliferation of online scam centers, proposing new partnerships with American technology and industry sectors to mitigate these cross-border threats effectively.
Expanding economic cooperation was another central theme of the discussions. Delegations covered collaboration in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. In direct response to regional energy concerns, the United States outlined its continued support for the ASEAN Power Grid initiative and committed to facilitating increased liquefied natural gas exports to ensure long-term energy security across Southeast Asia.
On maritime security, Assistant Secretary DeSombre stressed the critical importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. He reinforced that any regional Code of Conduct must align strictly with established international law and safeguard the rights and interests of all parties, including the United States and third nations.
The 38th annual dialogue reflects the United States' ongoing commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement, aiming to foster a stable, secure, and prosperous Southeast Asia in the years ahead.
