Biden doubles down on commitment to Indo-Pacific amid competition with China

By Michel Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Joe Biden emphasized the US' commitment to the Indo-Pacific region during a meeting with regional leaders on Wednesday as his administration increasingly competes with China.

Biden "outlined his vision for the region, which seeks a region that is open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure" during the East Asia Summit, the White House said in a statement.

He told regional leaders that the US "will explore with partners the development of an Indo-Pacific economic framework," which it said "will define our shared objectives around trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest."

In a likely reference to China, the White House further said Biden emphasized "the U.S. commitment to the international rules-based order and expressed concern over threats to that order."

"He made clear that the United States will continue to stand with allies and partners in support of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and freedom of the seas," it said.