This is the Vice President’s third trip to Southeast Asia since she was elected.

Article by Dean Millard, Junior White House Correspondent

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Vice President Kamala Harris visited Jakarta, Indonesia from September 5th through the 7th to attend the U.S.-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit. She also met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.  

The purpose of her visit was “to reaffirm the United States’ enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and ASEAN centrality,” according to the Vice President’s communication team.  

China was a topic of focus Vice President Harris highlighted when addressing the media during her visit. As it pertains to the involvement of the United States with China, Vice President Harris said, “It’s not about pulling out, but it is about ensuring that we are protecting American interests, and that we are a leader in terms of the rules of the road, as opposed to following others’ rules.”  

The Vice President also called out China for its aggressive efforts to dominate the South China Sea territory. Although Vice President Harris commended China’s President Xi Jinping for the vital role he plays in the world as a leader, she emphasized that the United States is prepared to compete with China. 

Regardless of the tense relationship between the United States and China, the Vice President made it clear that competition with China “does not mean that we are seeking conflict.” 

Aside from China, Vice President Harris worked to empower today’s young leaders at the Young Southeast Asian Leaders (YSEALI) Matters Forum on September 6th. The content of the forum included “impactful leadership, the potential of artificial intelligence as a vehicle for public good, taking action through public-private partnerships, and the intersection of community and political action,” according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia. 

“I’ve been working to strengthen our alliances and partnerships in the region, because our work there directly benefits American security and prosperity,” the Vice President wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).  

This was her third trip to Southeast Asia as Vice President. Her visit signifies her attempts to “erase doubts about U.S. commitment to the region stirred by President Joe Biden’s absence,” CNBC reports. Vice President Harris has visited this region more than any other since she was elected. 

The Biden-Harris administration is hopeful that these trips to Southeast Asian countries will help bolster people’s opinions of their international relations. This aspect will be particularly crucial as the administration prepares for the upcoming campaign year. 

Vice President Harris’ frequent visits to Southeast Asia have sparked speculations about adding to her experiences as Vice President. Republican presidential candidates have continuously undermined her productivity in office, and “say she’s unprepared to step up if Biden, the oldest U.S. president in history, can’t finish a second term,” according to CNBC.  

The Biden-Harris administration, as well as President Widodo, are optimistic about “their intention to elevate the U.S.-Indonesia relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” according to the White House.