The United States and ASEAN convened the 38th annual U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue on June 3, 2026, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre and Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of State Kung Phoak, co-chaired the event, underscoring the robust collaboration under the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aimed at advancing shared economic and security objectives within a free and open Indo‑Pacific that benefits over a billion citizens.
DeSombre reiterated U.S. support for ASEAN centrality and the Philippines’ chair year, highlighting the breadth and depth of U.S.-ASEAN relations. He also highlighted the forthcoming 50th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations in 2027 and emphasized that implementation of the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Vision Statement—adopted in October 2025—will enhance safety, resilience, and prosperity for both America and Southeast Asia.
He urged close coordination to combat transnational crime, especially online scam operations, and called for partnership with U.S. industry. He identified expanding cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Addressing concerns about the ongoing energy crisis, DeSombre outlined U.S. support for the ASEAN Power Grid and increased LNG exports to improve long‑term energy security for the region.
DeSombre reaffirmed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, urging that any Code of Conduct for the area align fully with international law and safeguard the rights and interests of the United States and third parties.