In an exclusive interview with CNA, United States Ambassador to ASEAN Kevin Kim reaffirmed Washington's commitment to deepening economic and security ties with Southeast Asia despite concerns over President Donald Trump's tariff policies in the region.

Speaking from Kuala Lumpur during the annual International Military Law and Operations Conference, Kim stated, “We have very clear direction from the top of our government, from the top of our leadership that Southeast Asia remains a clear priority for the United States government.” He emphasized that this priority underpins the US trade agenda, which aims to rebalance trading relationships and ensure that goods entering the US are not produced using forced labour.

Kim highlighted that American investment in Southeast Asia exceeds US$500 billion, surpassing US investments in China, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, and Japan combined. He noted that US investment helps Southeast Asian countries diversify their supply chains and create jobs.

During a visit to Manila for the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a US$2.5 billion package of strategic investments in Southeast Asia. This package targets key areas including energy security and future technologies.

On regional security matters, Kim said that negotiations over a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea should fundamentally remain between ASEAN and China.

These statements underscore the US government's ongoing focus on Southeast Asia as a vital partner in both economic and security domains.

Sources