President Joe Biden says he’s nominating one of his top national security aides to serve as his ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It’s a move meant to underscore his administration’s commitment to the Pacific region despite the recent focus on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden announced his decision to tap Yohannes Abraham, chief of staff to the White House National Security Council, to serve as his ambassador to the 10-country bloc as he wrapped up summit talks with the visiting leaders on Friday. It’s Biden’s latest effort to send the message that he’s serious about recalibrating American foreign policy to counter China’s rapid rise as a national security and economic power.
Earlier on Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris met with the ASEAN leaders and underscored that “the United States and ASEAN have shared a vision for this region, and together will guard against threats to international rules and norms." That comment, during a session that focused in part on freedom of the seas, appeared to reference China's increasingly aggressive military actions in the South China Sea and beyond.
Biden has increased attention to improving relations with Pacific nations in his presidency, as he and top national security officials have made clear they see a rising China as the most threatening economic and national security adversary to the United States. White House officials said Biden spoke with ASEAN leaders in private about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Indonesia has been guarded in its public comments on the invasion, and the Philippines has made clear it won’t impose sanctions against Russia. Thailand joined a United Nations vote against the invasion of Ukraine but has maintained a position of neutrality in the war. Solar industry groups and other clean energy advocates have condemned the probe, which they say could jeopardize the industry’s future and Biden’s clean energy agenda. About 80 percent of the panels used by U.S. companies trace back to Southeast Asia, according to industry groups. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says the inquiry is following a process set by law.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden urges world to renew COVID fight as US nears 1M deathsPresident Biden marked the approaching milestone of 1 million U.S. deaths in the coronavirus pandemic. 'One million empty chairs around the dinner table. Each an irreplaceable loss,' he said.
Read more »
Biden co-hosts 2nd global COVID-19 summit as US nears 1 million deathsPresident Joe Biden appealed to world leaders for a renewed international commitment to attacking COVID-19 and ordered flags lowered to half-staff for the tragic milestone.
Read more »
Parenting, Baby Names, Celebrities, and Royal News | CafeMom.com
Read more »
Parenting, Baby Names, Celebrities, and Royal News | CafeMom.com
Read more »
Parenting, Baby Names, Celebrities, and Royal News | CafeMom.com
Read more »