Commerce Secretary Raimondo clarifies that U.S. economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific is not solely focused on China.

• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity was launched by President Joe Biden approximately two years ago, involving 14 countries.
• Raimondo stated that the Indo-Pacific region is more secure and stable when the U.S. maintains a strong "active" presence in the area. She emphasized that the framework's primary objective is to strengthen relationships in the region, rather than targeting China.
• She stated that the focus was not on China, but rather on the United States' presence in the region.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated on CNBC that America's economic involvement in the Indo-Pacific is not aimed at countering China but rather to enhance its influence in the region.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, launched by President Joe Biden two years ago, aimed to promote economic and trade cooperation among its 14 member states. Additionally, the IPEF was viewed as a way to counterbalance China's influence in the region.

According to Raimondo, the Indo-Pacific region is more secure and stable when the U.S. maintains a strong "active" presence, with the framework focusing on strengthening ties in the region.

Raimondo, who was in Singapore for the IPEF ministerial meeting, stated to CNBC's Eunice Yoon that China is following their approach by investing here.

"Although this isn't about China, it's about the United States' presence in the region."

On Thursday, IPEF member countries signed a "clean economy" agreement and announced $23 billion of investment opportunities to speed up sustainable infrastructure projects in the region, as stated by the Commerce Department.

Raimondo engaged in bilateral talks with partner nations while on her journey to tackle various concerns, including climate goals.

Singapore has long urged the U.S. to actively engage Southeast Asia and has consistently acted on this belief, as stated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after his meeting with the U.S. Commerce Secretary.

Raimondo emphasized that the US does not hinder countries in the region from strengthening their economic relationships with China.

""It's okay for countries to trade with China and EVs with China, as long as they don't expect us to dictate their actions," she stated."

The U.S. was also "massively ramping" up its economic support in the region by providing technology, technical assistance, and capital.

During the recent G7 gathering, Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, cautioned China about its industrial policies that are backed by the state.

The excessive production of goods in China has been a source of concern globally, as it is often heavily subsidized by other countries.

During a trip to Europe, China's commerce minister refuted "overcapacity" accusations as baseless.

When China floods the market with subsidized products, it undermines the global price for those items, making us all less secure, according to Raimondo.

By working together, we can send a clear message to China.

— CNBC's Evelyn Cheng contributed to this report