Vice President Kamala Harris Aims to Enhance U.S. Influence in Southeast Asia at Jakarta Summit
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to expand her engagement with Southeast Asia during an international summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. This trip marks Harris’ third visit to the region and her fourth to Asia overall, solidifying her role as a crucial spokesperson for the Biden administration’s efforts to counterbalance Chinese influence through partnerships.
Harris’ continuous involvement in Southeast Asia serves as an opportunity for her to reinforce her foreign policy experience as she prepares for the upcoming campaign year. However, her presence at the summit also aims to address doubts about U.S. commitment to the region, caused by President Joe Biden’s absence.
Although Biden’s decision not to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit has raised concerns, Harris’ participation as the Vice President showcases the U.S. government’s dedication to strengthening relationships in the region. While some have criticized Biden’s nonattendance, it should be noted that ASEAN itself is struggling to establish its central role in Southeast Asia. The organization has been unsuccessful in resolving civil strife in Myanmar and has faced internal disagreements over the global competition between the United States and China.
Harris’ itinerary in Jakarta aligns with her focus on the Indo-Pacific and U.S. alliances and partnerships in the region. It is expected that she will engage in summit events and hold bilateral discussions with foreign leaders during her two-day visit.
The summit takes place amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea, primarily due to Beijing’s release of a new official map emphasizing its territorial claims in the region. This move by China has drawn opposition from other nations with their own claims in the disputed waters. The South China Sea is a critical trade route, making the resolution of territorial disputes vital for global trade.
The Biden administration considers China to be the top foreign policy challenge for the United States, as articulated by President Biden himself. While Biden’s attention has recently been directed towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine, his focus on deterring Beijing from surpassing Washington’s global influence has not wavered. Harris’ previous visits to countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand, have primarily aimed at addressing the regional rivalry with China.
As Harris engages with leaders in Southeast Asia, the United States hopes to strengthen partnerships, given Beijing’s aggressive approach to the region. U.S. officials and experts believe that China’s behavior creates an opportunity for Washington to forge closer ties with Southeast Asian countries.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’ trip to Jakarta for the ASEAN summit reinforces the U.S. commitment to Southeast Asia and highlights her role as a key interlocutor for the Biden administration’s efforts to counterbalance Chinese influence. Her presence at the summit showcases the importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and prosperity in the region. The United States recognizes the challenges posed by China’s assertiveness and aims to engage with Southeast Asian countries to address these concerns and strengthen regional cooperation.
