UNITED States Vice President Kamala Harris is set to embark on a “historic visit” to Palawan to underscore her country’s commitment to stand by Manila in upholding international rules-based order in the South China Sea.

Harris, the highest-ranking US official to visit Puerto Princesa City, will meet with civil society leaders, residents, and representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as part of her official trip to the Philippines.

Harris will be meeting President Ferdinand R. Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte separately when she visits Manila.

She is set to arrive Sunday evening after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, a senior US administration official announced in a background briefing on Wednesday.

On November 21, Harris will have bilateral meetings with President Ferdinand R. Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.

The senior administration official said: “On security, the Vice President will reaffirm our defense commitments to the Philippines and the importance of alliance in peace and stability in the South China Sea. They will discuss upholding international rules and norms.”

Discussions would also include partnerships on the digital economy and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

She would also meet with Filipino women as well as civil society activists to show support for human rights and democratic resilience.

On November 21 , Harris will visit Palawan to underscore the US commitment to stand by Manila in upholding the rules-based international order in the South China Sea.

The Vice President will meet with civil society leaders, residents, and representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as part of her official trip to the Philippines.

“During her engagement with the Philippine Coast Guard, Harris will deliver remarks underscoring the importance of international law, unimpeded commerce, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” a senior US administration official said.

Harris will also have interactions with communities to discuss climate change and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The Philippines and China are locked in a territorial dispute over parts of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves.