by Akemi Tamanaha, Associate Editor
Vice President Kamala Harris will depart for a trip to the Philippines and Thailand on November 16, a senior administration official told AsAmNews and other media outlets invited to a call on Tuesday.
The senior administration official said “economic growth and advocating for American workers and businesses will be a key theme” of the Vice President’s trip. The trip will begin with a meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders in Bangkok. On November 18, Harris will present the Biden administration’s comprehensive economic agenda for the Indo-Pacific region.
The Vice President also plans to discuss climate action during her trip. Her meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha on Saturday, November 19, will discuss how to foster economic development while addressing the climate crisis.
Harris will meet both the Vice President and President of the Philippines on Monday, November 21. Her longer meeting with President Marcos will focus on both the economic relationship and the security alliance between the two countries. A senior administration official said the Vice President plans to reaffirm the country’s defensive commitments to the Philippines, specifically in the South China Sea.
In an effort to show support for the Philippines’ effort in the South China Sea, Harris will travel to the island of Palau on Tuesday, November 22. She will be the highest-ranking official ever to visit the island. During the visit, she will meet with residents, civil society leaders and representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard.
The Vice President’s trip to the Philippines and Thailand will also address human rights. After meeting with Marcos, she will meet with a civil society leader to discuss human rights issues and participate in a moderated discussion with an audience of young Filipina women. In her meeting with Prayut, she also plans to discuss the ongoing situation in Myanmar, as activists fight for democracy.
The White House believes the trip will help demonstrate the U.S.’s commitment to strengthening relationships in the area beyond the East Asian summit and APEC.
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