As tensions with China grow, the United States wants to strengthen its partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin described America's network of alliances and friendships in the region in Singapore on Tuesday as "a unique strategic asset".

Till Fähnders

Political Correspondent for Southeast Asia.

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With his statement, he also drew a contrast to China, which is at a clinch with several neighboring countries over territories and sea areas. With regard to China, the minister was determined but willing to cooperate. “We will not hesitate when our interests are threatened. However, we don't aim to confront, ”said Austin. He called for a "constructive and stable relationship" with Beijing. The cornerstone of American security policy remains deterrence.

Austin, who is the first minister from Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Southeast Asia, clearly described the Chinese claims in the South China Sea as “not in accordance with international law”.

Beijing had previously accused the United States of Deputy Foreign Secretary Wendy Sherman's "dangerous policy" against China during her visit to China.

Sherman was the highest-ranking American government official to visit China since President Biden took office.

Lloyd Austin's trip should therefore also be understood as part of a diplomatic offensive by Washington in Asia.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also expected on his inaugural visit to New Delhi on Wednesday.

The United States sees India as an important cooperation partner in competition with China.

America also relies on vaccination diplomacy

In Singapore, the defense minister addressed not only the conflict in the South China Sea, but also the border dispute between China and India in the Himalayas.

The defense minister travels from Singapore to Vietnam and the Philippines, the two countries in Southeast Asia hardest hit by China's advance in the South China Sea.

In Singapore, he also addressed the growing commitment of other partners who do not come directly from the region itself.

He referred to the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is currently underway in the South China Sea as part of a multinational fleet.

For the first time, the German Navy will also send a frigate to the region in August. In Manila, Austin will also try to salvage an important military agreement on the dispatch of American troops. The Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had suspended the agreement, but initially did not implement the suspension itself.

In Asia, Austin's speech was followed with great interest. The region has so far been neglected by the Biden government. Last but not least, the pandemic had made diplomatic visits difficult. China has been much more present in recent months and has further expanded its influence in the region with its “vaccination diplomacy”. America is also trying to catch up in this area. Austin repeated Biden's announcement that it would deliver 500 million vaccine doses worldwide free of charge and without any conditions. The Indo-Pacific region has "top priority".

Austin also assured the Southeast Asians that new forums such as the Quad, to which Australia, India and Japan belong alongside the USA, only complement, not replace, the proven partnership with the ASEAN confederation. He also said Southeast Asian countries do not have to choose between the United States and China. America will never ask for that.