Southeast Asia

While in Manila, Blinken reiterated that the U.S. is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, ships, or aircraft come under an armed attack anywhere in the South China Sea.

The trilateral summit, which will be held in Washington on April 11, comes at a time of increasing tension in the western Pacific.

The return of the Shinawatra clan in Thailand has delivered a fillip to relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

The news has added fuel to rumors about the resignation of President Vo Van Thuong, following the cancellation of a visit by the Dutch royal family.

A top U.S. diplomat hopes the Senate will ratify a maritime treaty.  

A same-sex marriage amendment has passed its first reading in the country's House of Representatives.

As resistance forces move within striking distance of the capital of Rakhine State, many of its inhabitants are seeking a way out.

The 25-year jail term came just days after the Election Commission ordered the disbanding of a major opposition party for advocating the reform of the lese-majeste law.

The two countries have agreed to resolve their outstanding claims in the Gulf of Thailand, but will be forced to negotiate their way around a host of nationalist tripwires.

Thaksin Shinawatra's quasi-official reception will do little to damp down rumors that he remains the real power behind the Pheu Thai-led government.

Far from "refusing to choose" in its foreign relations, the country has been canny at deciding when – and where – to partner with more powerful countries.

The Philippine leader said that the meeting will address closer maritime cooperation between the U.S., the Philippines, and Japan.