The 38th Annual U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue

The United States and ASEAN held 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 Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary of State Kung Phoak co-chaired the dialogue, where they highlighted the robust cooperation under the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to advance shared economic and security goals for a free and open Indo-Pacific that brings benefits to our combined one billion people.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre reiterated U.S. support for ASEAN centrality and the Philippines’ ASEAN chair year. He highlighted the breadth and depth of U.S.-ASEAN relations and looked forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations in 2027. Assistant Secretary DeSombre emphasized how implementing the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Vision Statement, which President Trump and ASEAN leaders adopted in October 2025, will make America and Southeast Asia safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre called for close coordination on combating transnational crime, particularly online scam centers, including partnering with U.S. industry. He identified areas of expanding cooperation in the partnership, including on the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and emerging tech. Assistant Secretary DeSombre acknowledged ASEAN member states’ concerns regarding the ongoing energy crisis and in response, he outlined U.S. support for the ASEAN Power Grid and increased liquid natural gas exports to the region to enhance long-term energy security for Southeast Asia.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre reiterated that maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight is essential in the South China Sea. The Assistant Secretary also reinforced that any Code of Conduct for the South China Sea must be fully consistent with international law and protect the rights and interests of the United States and third parties.