U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has reaffirmed her commitment to “stand with allies” and “stand up to dictators” if elected as she stressed her readiness to take the mantle as the United States’ commander in chief “on day one.”

On her website this week, her campaign laid out the vice president’s broad policy positions on national security, foreign policy, the economy, social security and other issues under the main theme of “A New Way Forward,” as she is in a tight race against her Republican rival, Donald Trump.

“(Harris will) stand with our allies, stand up to dictators, and lead on the world stage,” her campaign said.

Noting her “extensive” national security experience, it touched on Kamala’s trip to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas in 2022, where she vowed to do “everything in our power” to ensure America’s security commitment to South Korea.

This file photo, taken Sept. 29, 2022, shows U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (R) visiting Observation Post Ouellette, the
U.N. Command’s military facility located close to the Military Demarcation Line that runs through the center of the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

This file photo, taken Sept. 29, 2022, shows U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (R) visiting Observation Post Ouellette, the U.N. Command’s military facility located close to the Military Demarcation Line that runs through the center of the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

“She visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone to affirm our unwavering commitment to South Korea in the face of North Korean threats,” the campaign said.

Such a policy stance reinforced speculation that like President Joe Biden, Harris, if elected, might focus on cementing a network of U.S. allies and partners to confront shared global challenges, including North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats.

Her campaign pointed out that Harris will ensure that the U.S. military remains the “strongest, most lethal fighting fo
rce in the world.”

“Vice President Harris will make sure that America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century and that we strengthen, not abdicate, our global leadership,” it said.

On the war between Israel and Hamas, Harris was seen seeking a balance between supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and bringing an end to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

“Vice President Harris will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and she will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself,” the campaign said.

“She and President Biden are working to end the war in Gaza, such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination,” it added.

Her policy positions came as South Korea and other U.S. allies have been carefully watching the U.S. election campaigns given that who wins the Oval Office could bring a policy shift in terms of the bilateral al
liance, trade and other areas.

Source: Yonhap News Agency