US VP Harris vows 'enduring engagement' in Asia

On a visit to Singapore, her first stop on a trip that will also include Vietnam, Harris repeatedly insisted that the United States could be depended on.

"Our administration is committed to enduring engagement in Singapore, into Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific," Harris told a press conference alongside Singapore's leader.

"The reason I am here is because the United States is a global leader, and we take that role seriously."

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he welcomed the vice president's "reassurances on American intentions in the region, and in the world."

Harris arrived in the city-state Sunday and began her official engagements Monday.

She held talks with Lee as the United States and Singapore signed agreements on combating cyber threats, climate change, and the coronavirus pandemic.

She was also formally welcomed at the president's official residence, inspected a guard of honor and was presented with an orchid named after her, a typical honor for a visiting dignitary.

Later, she will visit Changi Naval Base and address U.S. sailors aboard the visiting USS Tulsa.