In Southeast Asia, Kamala Harris is at the center of White House efforts to counterbalance China

By CHRIS MEGERIAN
Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is headed back to Washington after her trip to Southeast Asia. Harris traveled for more than a day to reach this year’s summit of Southeast Asian nations, where she was tasked with strengthening ties in a region crucial to U.S. interests. Harris said in an Associated Press interview Washington must “pay attention to 10, 20, 30 years down the line, and what we are developing now that will be to the benefit of our country then.” The trip was Harris’ third to Southeast Asia since taking office. Harris at the center of the White House’s efforts to foster partnerships that can serve as a counterbalance to China’s influence.