In her address, Ms Harris said China continues to “coerce”, “intimidate” and “make claims to the vast majority” of the South China Sea. She said such actions “threaten the sovereignty” of nations and that the US stands with its allies and partners.
On Monday, in a joint press conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Ms Harris reaffirmed Washington’s “commitment to (its) membership in the Indo-Pacific”.
She reiterated the message in Tuesday’s speech, adding: “Our engagement in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific is not against any one country, nor is it designed to make anyone choose between countries.”
Ms Harris spoke about the strong economic ties between the US and Southeast Asia, and how trade relations with the region supported more than 600,000 American jobs. She also announced that the US was offering to host the annual meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2023, a grouping that includes Beijing and the US.
The US Vice President wrapped up her speech by condemning the “campaign of violent repression” in Myanmar, where the military has been in power since a coup in February.
Ms Harris’ address came on the final day of an official three-day visit to Singapore. She leaves for Vietnam later on Tuesday.
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