U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday warned that China poses a threat to countries in Asia, while reassuring nations in the region the U.S. won’t force countries to choose between the world’s biggest economies.
In a speech in Singapore, Harris spoke about the U.S. vision for a region built on rules, human rights, freedom of the seas and unimpeded commerce. She also offered for the U.S. to host the 2023 summit of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, signifying the administration’s commitment to multilateral engagement.
In her most pointed comments aimed at Beijing, Harris accused China of coercion and intimidation over its vast territorial claims in the South China Sea. "Beijing’s actions continue to undermine the rules-based order and threaten the sovereignty of nations,” she said.