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The United States has placed opposition to China at the heart of its national security policy for years and the Biden administration has called the rivalry with Beijing the “biggest geopolitical test” of the century.
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Six months into his presidency, however, Southeast Asian nations are still seeking details of Biden’s strategy as well as his specific plans for economic, trade and military engagement with the Indo-Pacific.
“You’ll hear me talk a lot about partnerships and the value of partnerships,” Austin told reporters on a trip to Alaska.
“My goal is to strengthen the relationship,” he was quoted as saying Reuters, Monday (26/7/2021).
In his keynote address in Singapore on Tuesday (27/7/2021) and meetings in Vietnam and the Philippines, Austin will mention China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and stress the importance of keeping the wider region free and open.
His trip follows US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman’s first visit to China on Sunday and Monday and coincides with Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to India, another key partner in US efforts to counter Beijing.
Experts say Austin’s presence is important to make clear that Southeast Asia is a critical component of Biden’s efforts.
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