She was supposed to be a major player in the Biden administration after being lauded as a historic, consequential figure in her role as America’s first female vice president.
In today's polarised world, the situation in this hugely significant region of the Pacific is frequently portrayed as either Chinese expansionism or American imperialism. As ever, the truth of the matter is much more complicated.
"It's one thing for somebody say that and keep pounding that in the head of your five granddaughters as well, but to, guess what, until they see it until they watch, it becomes real then."
Harris and the US administration has faced harsh criticism over her Asian tour, organised amid the problem-stricken withdrawal from Afghanistan and chaos at the Kabul Airport, as well as the failure to evacuate all of the Afghans who helped NATO forces.
Kamala Harris traveled to Southeast Asia to visit Singapore and Vietnam as thousands of Americans are stranded in Afghanistan in a potential hostage situation.