Recent months have seen a flurry of trips by U.S. diplomats trying to re-engage the country with Asia. In late May, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman paid a visit to Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand. She is the most senior U.S. official to visit Cambodia in years. 

The No. 2 diplomat of the U.S. also met with officials in Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia in July. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was recently in Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The White House said Vice-President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Singapore and Vietnam in August. 

Legal adviser in the administration of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Harvey Dzodin, explained what the U.S. is trying to achieve in the region.