Lê Thu Hương, August 4, 2021 CSIS

As the first trip by a Biden administration cabinet official, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Southeast Asia last week held considerable symbolic significance. His speech in Singapore marked a clear distinction between the administration’s approach to the region and that of the Trump team. Austin delivered a message consistent with the U.S. intention to compete with China while tailoring the tone to reflect the concerns of Southeast Asians. In his remarks, Austin clarified that the United States will not force countries to “choose” between Washington and Beijing—addressing a strongly held, and unpopular, perception in the region based on the Trump administration’s sharp rhetoric.