U.S. economic engagement in Indo-Pacific 'isn't about China,' Commerce Secretary Raimondo says

• President Joe Biden launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, involving14 countries, about two years ago.  
• Raimondo said the Indo-Pacific is more secure and stable when the U.S. has a strong "active" presence in the region. She added the framework is more about solidifying ties in the region and not directed at China.
• "This isn't about China. This is about the United States showing up in the region," she said.

America's economic engagement in Indo-Pacific "isn't about China" but for strengthening U.S. presence in the region, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told CNBC.  

President Joe Biden launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, involving14 countries, about two years ago, for economic and trade cooperation among the member states. The IPEF was also seen as a means to counteract China in the region.

Raimondo said the Indo-Pacific is more secure and stable when the U.S. has a strong "active" presence in the region, adding that the framework is more about solidifying ties in the region.

"China is doing what China is doing. They're investing here and that is their approach," Raimondo, who was in Singapore to participate in the IPEF ministerial meeting, told CNBC's Eunice Yoon.

"But we are here. This isn't about China. This is about the United States showing up in the region."

IPEF member countries signed a "clean economy" agreement and announced $23 billion of investment opportunities on Thursday, to accelerate sustainable infrastructure projects in the region, according to a Commerce Department statement.  

During her trip, Raimondo also participated in bilateral meetings with partner countries to address several issues, including climate objectives.

"Singapore has long been an