US Vice President Kamala Harris today reiterated Washington’s commitment to working with its India-Pacific partners and allies on the rules of international order and freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea region.
Harris made the remarks during a visit to Singapore and referred to the US “continued commitment” to Asia at a time when the US decision to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan has caused concern among its allies.
The South China Sea has become one of the many points of contention in the tense relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls illegal territorial claims to Beijing in its resource-rich sea.
In addition to China and Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei have claims in this strategic channel.