Blinken arrives in Laos, first stop on Asia tour

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived early Saturday in Laos, where he will attend a regional meeting and hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, part of a multi-nation Asia visit aimed at reinforcing ties with regional allies. Blinken has prioritised promoting a "free and open" Asia-Pacific region.

This is Blinken's 18th visit to Asia since taking office more than three years ago. Blinken is expected to "discuss the importance of adherence to international law in the South China Sea" at the ASEAN talks, according to the US State Department.