China-US relations: Beijing hits out at American credibility as Kamala Harris moves to reassure Asia
- Amid the US vice-president’s trip to Singapore and Vietnam, China’s foreign ministry points to chaos in Afghanistan as true ‘American-led rules and order’
- Harris criticised Beijing’s vast claims and actions in the South China Sea as undermining the rules-based order and threatening the sovereignty of nations
In particular, Harris’ expected arrival in Vietnam on Tuesday stirred comparisons between the frantic evacuation following the fall of Kabul last week and America’s humiliating withdrawal from Saigon in 1975.
While in Singapore, Harris outlined the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy and its shifting focus to the region. Harris said Washington’s vision was one of “peace and stability, freedom on the seas, unimpeded commerce, advancing human rights, a commitment to the international rules-based order and the recognition that our common interests are not zero sum”.
She also criticised Beijing’s vast claims and actions in the South China Sea as undermining the rules-based order and threatening “the sovereignty of nations”.
But Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that America’s abandonment of its Afghan partners undermined its reliability for allies and the world.
“What is currently happening in Afghanistan has clearly shown the world what truly are American-led rules and order,” Wang said.
