After President Biden announced he would not run for reelection, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his pick for the Democratic nominee. Harris was given the task of addressing the root causes of irregular migration from Central and South American nations to the United States. She traveled to Latin America twice as vice president, visiting Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. In Guatemala, she urged people not to attempt an unauthorized journey to the U.S. border, emphasizing the enforcement of laws. In Mexico, she announced investments in worker protections and labor reforms, as well as commitments to foster investment through loans for affordable housing. Additionally, she established partnerships to promote economic opportunities and reduce violence in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, securing private sector commitments of $5 billion for the region.
On the topic of China, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, Harris expressed concerns about Beijing’s coercive actions and claims in the region. She emphasized the U.S.’s support for Taiwan’s self-defense and stressed the importance of standing with allies and partners against threats to sovereignty. During her visit to Singapore, a key U.S. ally in Southeast Asia, Harris reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring an open and free Indo-Pacific region and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. These statements came amidst China’s assertive policies in the region and reassured nervous Asian allies.
Harris has also voiced clear support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion and reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to the NATO alliance with European partners. At the Munich Security Conference, she emphasized America’s unwavering commitment to NATO and the mutual defense clause in the NATO charter. As Russia massed troops along Ukraine’s border, Harris reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to Article 5 of the NATO charter, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the wider Middle East, Harris has supported Israel’s right to defend itself while also advocating for the protection of innocent civilians. She emphasized the need for a two-state solution and a hopeful political horizon, economic opportunity, and freedom for Palestinians. Former State Department official Josh Paul noted that Harris had advocated for a ceasefire and highlighted Palestinian humanitarian issues, suggesting a possible distinction from Biden’s policy towards Israel if she assumes the presidency. Paul expressed optimism that Harris could be a more pragmatic leader, potentially taking a different approach than President Biden in dealing with Middle East conflicts.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris has been actively engaged in foreign policy matters during her tenure as Vice President, addressing issues such as migration from Latin America, Chinese influence in Asia, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. As a potential Democratic nominee for the presidency, her foreign policy approach may differ slightly from that of President Biden, particularly on issues related to Israel and Palestine. Harris has emphasized the importance of alliances, cooperation, and maintaining a strong U.S. leadership role in global affairs, as demonstrated through her engagements with various regions and countries around the world.
