US policy focus shift to Southeast Asia

After the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan, US foreign policy is under serious criticism from policy experts across the globe. Following the US exit from Afghanistan, governments in Southeast Asia are watching if their region will now have priority as Washington refocuses its foreign policy goals.

The calamity of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan over the past two weeks has drawn scathing rebukes of US foreign policy, while raising serious questions over how the US intends to project power in the future.

Details

• US has been shoring up support by making alliances with like-minded countries to take on China. Vice President Kamala Harris has taken out diplomatic trips.
• During her visit to Vietnam and Singapore, Harris reiterated support of the Biden administration towards Southeast Asia.

The debacle

• Even as the Vice President has made efforts to retain allies, South Asian countries were forced to evacuate their citizens hurriedly after premature withdrawal by US.
• Many countries have expressed fear that the rise in terrorism in Afghanistan will adversely affect the peace in their countries.

Importance of Southeast Asia

• Southeast Asian economies are growing at a remarkable rate. Their importance is being realized due to assertive China.
• US has close security and economic ties with countries like Thailand and Philippines. Relationship with Singapore and Vietnam has also recorded growth.
• US has stood by Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam during the South China Sea disputes with China.

Nature of relationship

• US ties with Southeast Asian countries have been security and economic with already stable states.
• In Afghanistan the role was focused on peace, security and eradication of terrorism with ultimate focus on nation building.

Change in stance

• Since the coming of power, Biden has made efforts to focus his attention to Indo-pacific by avoiding central Asia and middle-east.
• The US would not completely abandon its focus from Asia. It will likely increase its presence in Southeast Asia to counter China’s growth.