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Kamala Harris to visit South China Sea island, move tempts inflamed tensions with Beijing

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the island of Palawan next week during her trip to Asia, according to a senior administration official.

The move could inflame tensions with China just days after President Biden sought to smooth relations with Beijing through a sideline meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the meeting of the 20 largest global economies or G-20 in Bali, Indonesia.

Ms. Harris is the highest-ranking U.S. official to ever visit Palawan. She will meet with residents, civil society leaders, and representatives of the Philippines Coast Guard during the trip, which is scheduled for next Tuesday, the official said.