STATE DEPARTMENT – U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo embarks on a week-long trip to South Asia on Sunday, as the United States looks to confront Chinese geopolitical and economic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The top U.S. diplomat is traveling to New Delhi, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Male, Maldives; and Jakarta, Indonesia from October 25-30.

“On every stop I will discuss a broad range of bilateral topics, but also work to find out with each of those countries the best ways that we can make sure that we cooperate to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Pompeo told reporters Wednesday during a press briefing at the State Department.

He added his meetings will “also include discussions on how free nations can work together to thwart threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.”

In India, Pompeo and U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper will join their counterparts for the third annual U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The State Department says the talks will be aimed at advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership and expand security cooperation.

https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/pompeo-heads-south-asia-us-china-tensions-escalate