November 22, 2022
US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday visited a Philippine island near waters claimed by China to show support for the longtime US ally and counter Beijing's growing influence in the region.
Harris is the highest-ranking US official ever to visit the western island of Palawan, the closest Philippine landmass to the Spratly archipelago in the hotly contested South China Sea.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire sea and has ignored an international court ruling that its claims have no legal basis.
The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have overlapping claims to parts of it.
Harris will meet with fisherfolk and members of the Philippine Coast Guard.
She will also deliver remarks that "underscore the importance of international law, unimpeded lawful commerce, and freedom of navigation", a US official told reporters before the visit. — AFP
November 21, 2022
US Vice President Kamala Harris has arrived at Malacañang, where she will meet with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte and other top Philippine government officials.
November 21, 2022
US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, leads handover of hygiene kits and COVID-19 supplies at the Gregoria de Jesus Elementary School in Caloocan City.
Emhoff also says they an additional $5 million will be provided to the Philippines “to accelerate vaccine rollout.”
Get updates on the visit of United States Vice President Kamala Harris in the Philippines.
Photo from Philstar.com / Kaycee Valmonte