Kamala Harris Strengthening U.S. Commitment to Southeast Asia

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to enhance her engagement with Southeast Asia at an international summit in Jakarta, Indonesia this week. Her attendance aims to address concerns over U.S. commitment to the region, especially since President Joe Biden will not be present.

A Key Interlocutor for the Democratic Administration

Harris has visited Southeast Asia three times and Asia overall four times, making her the most frequent visitor to the continent. These visits, along with meetings in Washington, establish Harris as an important figure for the Democratic administration’s efforts to strengthen partnerships and counterbalance Chinese influence.

Bolstering Foreign Policy Credentials

This trip provides Harris with an opportunity to enhance her foreign policy credentials as she prepares for a challenging campaign year. Republican presidential candidates have criticized her readiness to assume leadership if Biden, as the oldest U.S. president, cannot complete a second term.

Frustration Over Biden’s Absence

Biden’s decision to skip the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit has sparked frustration, particularly since he will be visiting India and Vietnam around the same time. This absence has magnified his nonattendance, according to Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia’s former foreign affairs minister.

ASEAN’s Challenges and Reflection

ASEAN faces internal challenges, such as the unresolved civil strife in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. This has led to disagreements among ASEAN members over the U.S.-China global competition. Natalegawa believes ASEAN must become more effective in order to attract leaders to its summits.

Harris’ Valuable Presence

Despite Biden’s absence, there is enthusiasm for Harris’ visit to Jakarta. Phil Gordon, a national security adviser to Harris, highlights the value of engaging with countries in the region and finding common ground.

Upcoming Visit to India and Vietnam

After Harris’ return from Indonesia, Biden will attend the Group of 20 summit in India and visit Vietnam to strengthen ties with the emerging economic power. Gregory B. Poling, from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, appreciates the administration’s choices but finds it unfortunate that Biden could not attend the ASEAN summit.

Tension in the South China Sea

Leaders gather in Jakarta amidst heightened tension over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. Beijing’s aggressive approach has created opportunities for the U.S. to forge stronger partnerships in the region.

China as the Top Foreign Policy Challenge

Biden considers China the top foreign policy challenge for the U.S. and aims to prevent its ascension as the most powerful global force. Harris’ previous visits to Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand have focused on addressing the rivalry with China.