US VP Kamala Harris visits Palawan island near China-claimed waters

US Vice President Kamala Harris talks to reporters on board the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Teresa Magbanua during her visit to Puerto Princesa, Palawan province, western Philippines on Nov. 22, 2022. - AP

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines(AFP): US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday (Nov 22) visited a Philippine island near waters claimed by China to show support for the longtime US ally and counter Beijing's growing influence in the region.

Harris is the highest-ranking US official ever to visit the western island of Palawan, the closest Philippine landmass to the Spratly archipelago in the hotly contested South China Sea.