“PRC and Russia are trying to undermine the role of the East Asia Summit as the premier forum for strategic discussions in the Indo-Pacific region with leaders, even as we collectively face unprecedented international challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” the senators said.
Rubio and Merkley also recalled that since January 2017, the United States has no permanent representative to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
According to them, this organization provides the only platforms in the region for a broad discussion of topical strategic issues.
Without a permanent representative, interaction with ASEAN cannot be effective, the politicians noted.
In addition, they asked Biden to appoint ambassadors to Thailand and the Philippines as soon as possible.
Senators are convinced that the Indo-Pacific region is of particular importance "to advance the core interests and values of the United States."
Earlier, United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced Washington's plans to strengthen "partnership with a strong and independent ASEAN."
He stressed that the member countries of the association have many concerns about China's actions.