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Pompeo calls on S-E Asia to stand up to China, shun its state-owned firms

Asean says it does not want to take sides amid friction over recent spike in military activities in South China Sea

Published Thu, Sep 10, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Hanoi

THE United States' top diplomat on Thursday urged South-east Asian countries to stand up to maritime bullying by China and to re-assess business deals with its state firms, adding to heated exchanges between two powers jostling for influence.

Speaking remotely to foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the region should be confident in the United States and know it can bank on its support.