The U.S. political landscape has been significantly altered with President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race on July 21, positioning Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely Democratic candidate.
Harris’s tenure as vice president has been marked by a focus on domestic issues such as labor rights and gun violence. However, her record on international affairs and her role within the Biden administration show that she is no rookie to the greatest stage on the planet.
The role of the vice president in foreign policy has evolved over the decades, with vice presidents increasingly becoming key advisors and partners to the president. Harris, despite initial challenges, has built a team and made significant contributions, particularly in areas like space policy and Central American diplomacy. However, not all her initiatives have succeeded, like efforts to decrease illegal immigration in the US-Mexico border. Regardless, her potential ascension to the presidency comes at a time of escalating global tensions, particularly with China, Russia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The U.S. Strategic Objective with China
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, questions about America’s strategic objectives with China are more pressing than ever. The Biden administration has aimed to “responsibly manage the competition” with China, but critics argue for a more decisive victory.
The goal should be to ensure that China no longer has the will or capability to harm U.S. interests.
The U.S. must bolster its economic and technological leadership. Strengthening economic policies, reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains, and increasing investments in technology and innovation are critical steps. This also involves reinforcing alliances and creating new partnerships like AUKUS and NATOIP4 to counterbalance China’s influence.
A robust military capable of deterring Chinese aggression, particularly in areas like Taiwan and the South China Sea, is essential. If she wins office, increasing defense spending and modernizing the military to ensure it can deny Chinese advancements will be crucial. Republican Sen. Roger Wicker’s (R – MS) call for a “generational investment” in the military to raise defense spending to five percent of GDP is a step in the right direction.
Harris’s Foreign Policy Readiness
Should Kamala Harris become president, her experience as vice president will be invaluable.
One of Harris's notable achievements in foreign policy is her role in chairing the National Space Council. In this capacity, she has overseen the development of regulations for space commerce and expanded the Artemis Accords, an international agreement that establishes guidelines for responsible behavior in space.
Under her leadership, the number of signatories to the Artemis Accords has quintupled (increased by a multiple of five), fostering international collaboration and setting norms that counter China and Russia's space ambitions. Her bold diplomatic stroke of announcing a unilateral U.S. commitment to not carry out antisatellite weapons tests was lauded globally and put China and Russia on the defensive.
Harris has also represented the U.S. in various high-stakes diplomatic missions.
Her visit to France in November 2021 was crucial in mending Franco-American relations after the AUKUS submarine deal tensions where the Biden Administration sold nuclear submarines to Australia for cheaper and with a faster delivery time than France, who had previously signed a deal with Australia (this military agreement was done in part to counter Chinese naval movement by and around Australian waters and territory). Her rapport with French President Emmanuel Macron and the successful persuasion of France to sign the Artemis Accords exemplify her diplomatic acumen.
Moreover, Harris has met numerous foreign leaders at events like the Munich Security Conference, enhancing her international profile and experience.
Assigned to address the root causes of migration from Central America, Harris spearheaded the Partnership for Central America, generating over $5.2 billion in private sector commitments to the region. Her efforts supported a peaceful transition of power in Guatemala after a contested election, all in part to “stabilize South America.”
The stabilization efforts were done to help reduce the stress of illegal immigration. An effort which many would argue has failed as illegal immigration continues to increase.
A Call to Action
Kamala Harris must be prepared to hit the ground running on foreign policy, particularly regarding China.
The transfer of power from Biden to Harris is fully allowable under the United States' republican system of governance and complies with Democratic convention rules. The stakes are high, and the U.S. must act decisively to uphold the rules-based international order and protect its interests and allies.
America’s strategic objective with China must be clear: to ensure that China can no longer harm U.S. interests.
This requires a comprehensive approach, immediate action, and strong leadership. The potential presidency of Kamala Harris means her readiness to address these issues will be crucial for the future stability and security of the United States and our allies.
You may notice I did not mention the Republican candidate for president. For the US to hold the moral high ground in any conflict – whether that is military, commerce, or otherwise – the United States cannot be led by a convicted felon.