Start trip to Asia – On August 23, the AP reported that the United States White House announced several new agreements with Singapore. Focused on fighting cyber threats dealing with climate change Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic and alleviate supply chain problems
The announcement coincides with a visit to Singapore by US Vice President Kamala Harris. It is part of President Joe Biden’s government’s efforts to counter Chinese influence in the region.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, is welcomed by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
about cybersecurity Ministry of Finance and the US Department of Defense as well as cybersecurity and infrastructure agencies. Each signed a memorandum of understanding with the authorities in Singapore. To expand information sharing and training to combat cyberthreats
section on climate change The two nations are launching a climate cooperation between the United States and Singapore. This is a new effort between the Ministry of Commerce. Ministry of Energy Ministry of Transport and the US Department of the Treasury and agencies in Singapore to develop new climate standards and cooperate in various projects To expand the development of clean energy infrastructure and improve sustainability.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, stands next to Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong before their bilateral meeting at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
The two countries have agreed to cooperate more closely in monitoring the strain of COVID-19. and participate in research on the treatment of COVID-19. And the US Department of Commerce is partnering with Singapore’s Department of Trade and Industry to create partnerships focused on enhancing trade in a number of key industries.
The White House also announced additional agreements between the two countries to promote cooperation in space exploration and defense. The announcement came on the same day Ms Harris met with Singapore President Halimah Yab and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, front left, attends a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
Ms Harris’ visit to Southeast Asia begins in Singapore and continues with Vietnam this week. It aims to expand cooperation with the two countries to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region.
Ms Harris attended a welcome ceremony outside the President of Singapore’s Istana Palace, followed by a marching band playing the US national anthem. after the welcome ceremony Mrs. Harris walked around the courtyard of the palace. and visit the marching band with the Prime Minister of Singapore to follow
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, meets Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, right, in a bilateral meeting at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
Then Mr. Lee Hsien Loong showed a species of orchid to Ms. Harris. which was also named in her honor. with President Yab before heading into a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Lee
after the meeting Ms Harris will be present at the joint press conference. and visit the Changi Naval Base which will talk to the American crew on board the battleship USS Tulsa (USS Tulsa)
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in Singapore Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021. Harris is on a tour of Southeast Asia, where she will attempt to reassure allies of American resolve following the chaotic end of a two-decade war. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
On Tuesday, Aug. 23, Ms Harris will deliver a speech outlining President Biden’s government’s vision for the region. and meet with business leaders to discuss supply chain issues.
This trip marks Ms. Harris’s second overseas trip. after visiting Guatemala and Mexico in June It will also be the first time the US Vice President visits Vietnam.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, center, walks with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, right, to a bilateral meeting at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
Singapore is like an anchor for the US Navy in Southeast Asia. and a deep trade alliance with the United States. But Singapore is still trying to maintain strong ties with China. and neutrality Amid an increasingly bleak US-China relationship
Relations between the United States and China deteriorated sharply under President Donald Trump, and the two countries have disagreed over the issues. including technology cyber security and human rights
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, attends a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin They have visited overseas for the first time in Japan and South Korea. And Mr Austin also visited Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines. In July and pledged that the United States would support against Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea.
as for Ms. Harris on a visit to Singapore and Vietnam It is expected to underscore the need for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. In conversations with the leaders of the two countries
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, stands next to Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong before their bilateral meeting at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
Alexander Feldman, chairman and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council, said Ms Harris would need to be careful in conversations with Singapore leaders not to too much emphasis on China Instead, it highlights the positive and beneficial relationship of the US with Singapore and Vietnam.
“Where Ms Harris can fall into the trap is her efforts to delve into the matter and turn it into a US visit to compete with China. This should be a US visit to US friendship and allies in Southeast Asia,” Feldman said.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, stands next to Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong before their bilateral meeting at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
Mr Feldman also said that If China becomes the main focus That would make US friendships more difficult across the region. Not only in Singapore and Vietnam but more than these two countries
Earlier, Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore He said Singapore would be “useful but not exploited” in relation to the two countries. And Prime Minister Lee warned the United States earlier that Don’t take an aggressive approach towards China.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, is pictured before a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in Singapore Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
However, Beijing has already played a role in Ms Harris’ visit. The official Xinhua news agency published an editorial on Saturday, Aug. 21 about the visit of the US Vice President. It’s part of the drive to discourage China.
“The visit to Southeast Asia by high-ranking officials of the Biden government aims to Seek countries in the region to build a ring of containment against China. But Southeast Asian countries are reluctant to choose a side between China and the United States, and America’s “wish plan” will end in failure,” Xinhua said.
The editor also stated that The US approach is based on outdated Cold War thinking. and is intended to cause problems in relations with China. create divisions and confrontations and try to create a ring of exclusion,” the editorial said.
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