Blinken's visit sends strong signal US is back, but it still needs a long-term strategy on SE Asia

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's swing through South-east Asia last week ended with the usual shibboleths about enhanced security and economic ties. He was to have visited Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, but the trip was cut short after Kuala Lumpur due to a Covid case in his delegation.

In Jakarta, he signed three agreements with Indonesia, including one that extends until 2026 an ongoing maritime cooperation pact for joint US-Indonesian naval exercises. He also spoke of forging improved links with its five treaty allies in the region - Australia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand - and cultivate a stronger partnership with Asean as well. And he was clear about the threat to peace in the region: "Beijing's aggressive actions" from "North-east Asia to South-east Asia and from the Mekong River to the Pacific Islands".

Then there was a hint of a new comprehensive regional economic framework next year, after a warning against "bad deals on terms set by others". Presumably, Washington's scheme would be fair and transparent - if it sees the light of day. Perhaps to show it is not all idle talk, US, Australia and Japan announced a funding proposal for an undersea cable to boost Internet access in three tiny Pacific countries.