the newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Vice President Kamala Harris China called during a speech at a US naval base in Japan on Wednesday, accusing the Asian superpower of “obstructing” activity toward Taiwan.
Harris arrived in Yokosuka for United States Fleet activities – a US naval base – and toured the USS Howard before addressing Navy personnel that afternoon.
After praising the work of the US Navy, the vice president began sharply reprimanding Chinese military actions. Harris accused the Asian superpower of “undermining” the rules-based international order with its aggressive actions against Taiwan.
“China has challenged the freedom of the seas. China has displayed its military and economic power to coerce and intimidate its neighbors,” the vice president said.
US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the media aboard the USS Howard at the Naval Base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture on September 28, 2022.
(Lea Milles/Paul/AFP via Getty Images)
“We have seen disturbing behavior in the East and South China Seas, and we have recently seen provocations across the Taiwan Strait,” she added.
During the speech, Harris briefly referred to America’s role in ensuring “peace and stability” in the region, saying that Washington would continue to support Taiwan.
“The United States believes that peace and stability In the Taiwan Strait “It is an essential feature of a free and open Indo-Pacific. We will continue to fly, sail and act relentlessly and without fear, wherever and whenever international law allows,” the vice president said.
She testified that “we will continue to support Taiwan’s self-defense, consistent with our long-standing policy,” and described Taiwan as a “vibrant” democracy that “contributes to the global good.”
Members of the military greet US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Naval Base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture on September 28, 2022.
(Lea Milles/Paul/AFP via Getty Images)
“The United States is a proud power in the Pacific. The American people have a deep interest in the future of this region. “We will continue to promote the Indo-Pacific region to be free, open, connected, secure and resilient,” Harris concluded.
The speech came as Harris’s trip to Japan drew to a close. Harris is scheduled to visit the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea on Thursday.
US Vice President Kamala Harris is briefed by US Navy personnel at the Combat Information Center (CIC) aboard the USS Howard at Naval Base Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture on September 28, 2022.
(Lea Milles/Paul/AFP via Getty Images)
Harris’ trip to the demilitarized zone drew a backlash from US conservatives, who accused her of avoiding addressing the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border.
White House He did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital about the backlash.