Harris’ Speech: Discuss Security in Your Own Words

At the U.S. Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her acceptance speech for the presidential nomination.

Harris stated that this was an opportunity to “move past … divisive battles of the past” and “chart a new way forward,” an appeal to the middle class for generous support. She criticized Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump’s political stance, in a clearly confrontational tone.

It was inevitable that the speech would focus on domestic issues concerning U.S. citizens, such as the economic climate and immigration issues, and criticism of the rival candidate.

However, the U.S. is the country with the greatest economic strength and military power. We had hoped that Harris would clearly articulate views and policies on how her administration will protect the international order, but that did not happen.

Regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she rightly declared that she “will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies.”

Concerning the situation in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, while she supported Israel’s right to self-defense, she stated that “now is the time to get a hostage deal and cease-fire done.” Even though it was easy to say, it is not enough to convince both those who support and who condemn Israel’s actions.

The most disappointing part was that Harris did not make any statement that demonstrated a strong concern about peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait.

The only thing she said about China was that “America — not China” will win “the competition” in high technology fields such as space and artificial intelligence.

The Indo-Pacific region, including the Taiwan Strait and the South and East China Seas, is the site where the outcome of the battle between democracy and despotism will determine control of the international order. Harris ought to display a resolution to deter the threat of China, which is strengthening its military and economic coercion.

Regarding North Korea, in the context of criticizing Trump, who said that he “get[s] along” with Kim Jong Un, the leader of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Harris declared that she would “not cozy up to tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong Un.” In that case, how does she intend to confront Chinese President Xi Jinping?

As vice president, Harris has had almost no experience related to diplomatic and military matters, a concern that was pointed out in an editorial in the influential Wall Street Journal, entitled “Kamala Harris: Mystery Commander in Chief.” We hope that in future debates, Harris will address diplomatic and security policies that despotic countries will not be able to exploit.