Washington partners with Mekong nations

Washington, September 15

The Trump administration has announced the ambitious Mekong-US partnership which aims to curb China's growing influence in Southeast Asia and promote economic independence of partner nations.

Apart from the US, the coalition includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam from Southeast Asia. It was formally launched after a virtual meeting on September 11.

The Mekong-US partnership reflects the importance of the Mekong region to the United States, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. He added that these efforts will include working closely with Japan, Australia, South Korea, India, and other like-minded partners.

"Our relationship with Mekong partner countries is an integral part of our Indo-Pacific vision and our strategic partnership with ASEAN," he said. — PTI